Harrys Daphne Food
Harrys Garden Products
Daphne Food – Feeding for Fragrant Blooms & Healthy Growth
Daphne plants are slow-growing evergreens or deciduous shrubs, loved for their intensely fragrant flowers and glossy green foliage. To keep them thriving and flowering, they require a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that provides gentle but steady nutrition without over-stimulating excessive leafy growth.
Why Do Daphne Plants Need Special Food?
Daphne plants have delicate root systems and are prone to over-fertilization issues. They prefer a light, consistent nutrient supply rather than heavy feeding. Without proper fertilization, they may develop yellowing leaves, weak growth, and fewer flowers.
Choosing the Right Daphne Fertilizer
Daphnes thrive with a mild, balanced fertilizer formulated for flowering shrubs. Look for:
✔ Slow-Release Fertilizer for Acid-Loving Plants
✔ Low-Nitrogen Organic Fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 or 10-10-10)
✔ Compost, Leaf Mulch, or Well-Aged Manure for organic feeding
Key Nutrients for Daphnes:
- Phosphorus (P): Encourages strong roots and abundant flowering.
- Potassium (K): Boosts plant health and disease resistance.
- Moderate Nitrogen (N): Supports healthy foliage without overstimulating soft, weak growth.
- Magnesium & Iron: Prevents leaf yellowing and supports deep green foliage.
When & How to Feed Daphnes
- Early Spring (Before Flowering): Apply a light feeding to support new growth and bud formation.
- Mid-Summer (After Flowering): A second light feeding keeps the plant healthy and resilient.
- Avoid Late Autumn & Winter Fertilizing: Daphne plants slow their growth in cold months, so feeding too late can cause weak, frost-sensitive growth.
Application Tips:
🌿 Granular Slow-Release Fertilizer: Sprinkle lightly around the base, avoiding direct contact with stems, then water in gently.
💧 Liquid Fertilizer: Dilute to half-strength and apply sparingly during active growth.
🌱 Organic Options: Mulch with compost, pine bark, or leaf mold to naturally improve soil nutrients.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
⚠ Over-Fertilizing: Can stress the plant and reduce flowering. Use a gentle, balanced approach.
⚠ High-Nitrogen Fertilizers: Can encourage excessive leafy growth but fewer flowers.
⚠ Fertilizing in Winter: Avoid feeding when the plant is semi-dormant, as this can lead to root stress.
Daphne Food Summary:
A well-fed Daphne plant rewards you with healthy, lush foliage and beautifully fragrant blooms. By choosing a mild, balanced fertilizer and feeding sparingly, you’ll keep your plant thriving year after year.
$14.85 – $232.25 inc. GST
