Hi Tui, I have a pair of standard Daphnes in large pots. I've had them for about two years and they do not seem to have grown at all and the leaves are slightly yellow. Am I using the wrong fertiliser? I have used sheep pellets and a little seaweed liquid to no avail. Can you suggest what I need to do to get them growing please?

Hi Janet 

A free draining, quality potting mix is best for Daphnes and it's also important that the pots have drainage holes as yellow leaves and poor growth can be a sign of poor drainage. Alternatively are they getting enough water? Daphne like a cool moist root run. Daphnes enjoy a semi shaded position, morning or late afternoon sun is fine but not all day sun.

After two years of being in the same potting mix they will need feeding. A controlled release fertiliser is the best options for plants in pots. Use Tui Enrich Rose, Camellia, Azalea & Gardenia controlled release fertiliser and apply now in spring and again in late summer and early autumn. This should help correct any nutrient deficiencies and stop the leaves yellowing.

There is nothing wrong with a little sheep pellets and Seaweed, but they are not complete fertilisers. The Tui Enrich range will supply all nutrients that the plant requires. We would also suggest using Tui Seaweed and Fish Fertiliser. It contains seaweed plant tonic, fish emulsion which is rich in nitrogen and also humates which help improve the soil growing conditions. This can be applied every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. 

Thanks, Tui Team