DAPHNE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 5, 6 July 1939, Page 25

DAPHNE

The sweet-scented daphne odora (Indica) is such a general favourite that it is a pity it is rather difficult to manage. The plants do well for a season or two and then the foliage commences to turn yellow and gradually the plants die. In some instances this may be traced to neglect during the hot, dry summer months, the plants being allowed to get too dry at the roots. During summer a good soaking should be given once a week, and a mulch of cow manure will also help the plants. When cutting the flowers prune back the branches, because the new wood commences to grow almost before the blossoms have fallen.

If there should be any scale insects on the branches or leaves these may be occasionally washed or rubbed off with some soapy water. A little care now may save the trouble of spraying later on when the young scales become active and do so much to devitalise the plants. In the spring when the young scale, insects hatch out, the plants may be sprayed with starch made to the consistency of washing starch, which on application smothers the scales, and when dry cracks, and flaking off the plants, brings the dead scales with it. White oil is also a very effective spray.