Hi there, my daphne is not looking too good. There is new growth but the yellow leaves and general 'sad' appearance concern me. The plant is in a large, free draining tub and faces more or less east, so gets plenty of morning sun but is shaded for most of the day. I've been advised to water and feed sparingly - I'm doing so but really need some professional advice for this beautiful plant. Can you please help?

Hi Keith, it is quite normal for daphne leaves to yellow with the change of season, pick those yellow leaves off the plant, as there is new growth coming away. It is in the right position with morning sun and afternoon shade, but daphne also like a cool moist root run, so do need regular watering, as long as it is in a quality potting mix with good drainage, you can water every 2-3 days in spring and summer, and maybe once a week in winter. How deep is the bark mulch around the top of the plant and can you easily see when the plant requires watering? Your daphne will also benefit from feeding, try liquid feeding with Tui Seaweed & Fish fertiliser, it contains seaweed to stimulate root growth, but is also a fertiliser and soil conditioner, alternatively use Tui Seaweed Plant Tonic, that is just as good, but isn't a fertiliser so use Tui Enrich Rose, Gardenia, Azalea & Camellia controlled release fertiliser, it is perfect for daphne and other acid loving plants, apply once in spring and again in late summer, early autumn. Lianne