Daphne query

Hi all,

I purchased a new Daphne last year to replace one that I was told had come to the end of its 10 year span and went for one with longer summer flowering rather than just a month in the spring.

It hasn't really flowered yet and doesn't feel it's grown much, although I appreciate it's only been a year but I understand I can check the soil but not sure how or what to look for. Is there anything in particular I should be doing to give it it's best chance.

Sorry not a great picture and ignore the weed, was a quick pic this morning on the way to work.

Many thanks

 

The first thing I'd do is scrape the mulch away from it's stem.

 

Ah ok I was told they like mulch but maybe not so close then? I was going to do the same on my lavender as that doesn't seem to healthy but read they don't like it and can go woody which it has done

 

Which Daphne is it?

 

Definitely no mulch around Lavender unless it's gravel. Even then, never mulch right up to stems or trunks. The way to stop them going woody is to religiously trim them over after flowering just cutting into leafy growth.

 

I think it's transatlantica as we wanted a summer flowering one

 

Well it's flowering, still tiny but hopefully a sign it's ok

 

The first lot of flowers are now fading white and assume that's just part of the process and nothing to worry about.

Concerned on how much to water it. It's going into it's 2nd year and don't want to over water it or let it go dry as it's in full sun. Do I need to check the soil?