Plant Doctor Archive

My daphnes are losing their leaves

Why do some of my daphnes keep losing their leaves while others are very healthy?

Evergreen shrubs naturally drop their leaves. There are also deciduous daphnes that drop their leaves in winter.

Are the leaves turning yellow and dropping, or are they green? It could be that your daphnes are too wet, too dry, over fertilised or have a mineral deficiency. Daphnes are also susceptible to virus, although this has largely been eliminated by breeding virus-free plants.

If they are too wet, you will need to improve drainage by raising beds. Daphnes enjoy a cool moist soil but good drainage is important. Feed with an acid fertiliser as they enjoy similar conditions to camellias and rhododendrons. Use the recommended rate stated on the pack and water in after application.

Advice by Dr Dan Blanchon from Unitec's Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture and Bachelor of Resource Management.

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