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Daphne got sick! #725367

Asked September 19, 2020, 6:58 PM EDT

Should I just dig this up & replace it or can it be resurrected? Thanks!

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Thank you for your question.  I am unable to tell whether this is planted in a container, or a constricted part of the garden or ?  Could you take a photo of the space or pot it is in?  How much do you fertilize and water it?  Does it get sunlight, or is it in full sun or?  If you will provide more information, we can attempt to advise.  Thank you!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 19, 2020, 7:48 PM EDT
Thanks so much for your reply.  This daphne is in a planterbox about 2' wide & 3' long, partially exposed to rain but mostly under the eaves of our entry porch.  It gets morning sun only.  It had done well for several years (maybe 10?) in this spot, and then last year it started looking paler (but still full).  I gave it some "bloom" fertilizer last spring and the new growth looked a lot darker green so I put more fertilizer on once a month.I don't really know how much water it gets, I could have been over-watering it I suppose.  It seemed to be doing ok until the storm last week when it took a drastic turn and now looks like this.  
The Question Asker Replied September 19, 2020, 8:29 PM EDT
Thank you. I believe you have the right plant in the wrong place. These are deep-rooted shrubs. When roots get compacted, they no longer can absorb water and nutrients. A lack of nitrogen, especially, causes yellowing leaves. They need more fertilizer than that administered only once a month. Watering them without fertilizing them washes all the 'food' away. Starves them. I suggest you look for a sun to part shade spot on your property, and transplant it this fall. A container is just not the best place. Here is an OSU article about this plant: https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/daphne-genkwa Good luck!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 19, 2020, 8:41 PM EDT
Here are three Daphne which live in my backyard. Mostly green!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 19, 2020, 9:11 PM EDT
That makes perfect sense. I will transplant it. Thank you so much!  
The Question Asker Replied September 19, 2020, 11:46 PM EDT
Welcome!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 19, 2020, 11:48 PM EDT
BTW: the most common cause of a woody plant's death upon transplant is a failure to use the right technique. Here is a valuable Extension article about doing it right: http://rocklandcce.org/resources/transplanting-trees-and-shrubs
An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 20, 2020, 12:00 AM EDT

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