daphne ordora - Ask Extension
my daphne ordora has a lot of yellow leaves, with green spots. The yellow leaves eventually drop. The plant has been in the same spot for 6 years. It ...
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daphne ordora #929504
Asked April 24, 2026, 2:52 PM EDT
my daphne ordora has a lot of yellow leaves, with green spots. The yellow leaves eventually drop. The plant has been in the same spot for 6 years. It started happeninbg last year, but is worse this year. Not sure what to do.
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Robert,
Thanks for contacting us about your daphne odora. Are the leaves with the spots new or older? When did you first see the condition? Can you please send me a photo of the plant and a close-up of an affected leaf? I'll be happy to advise you with some additional information.
Thanks for contacting us about your daphne odora. Are the leaves with the spots new or older? When did you first see the condition? Can you please send me a photo of the plant and a close-up of an affected leaf? I'll be happy to advise you with some additional information.
Thank you very much for helping me. I have attached a closeup photo of one of the affected plants. I have two other ones within about 20 feet of this one. All are suffering to one degree or another with the same problem. The plants have been in the ground for about 6 years and have not been moved. Last year in the spring was the first time I have had this problem. Eventually in the summer the problem seemed to go away. This Spring the problem is worse than ever. I read everything I could so in desperation yesterday I put a mixture of epsom salts and water soluble fertilizer on the plant, but I know it will take some time to have any effect. I thought it also could be too much water and not enough drainage, but the plants did well the first 5years or so. I have to admit I am perplexed. Thank you again for helping me. Bob Stebner..
Sorry the attachment did not work. Here it is. Thank you. Bob Stebner
Thank you very much for helping me. I have attached a closeup photo of one of the affected plants. I have two other ones within about 20 feet of this one. All are suffering to one degree or another with the same problem. The plants have been in the ground for about 6 years and have not been moved. Last year in the spring was the first time I have had this problem. Eventually in the summer the problem seemed to go away. This Spring the problem is worse than ever. I read everything I could so in desperation yesterday I put a mixture of epsom salts and water soluble fertilizer on the plant, but I know it will take some time to have any effect. I thought it also could be too much water and not enough drainage, but the plants did well the first 5years or so. I have to admit I am perplexed. Thank you again for helping me. Bob Stebner..
Dear Robert,
Thanks for sending the photo. Given your description, the problem is likely either environmental or an imbalance in the soil. Low soil temperatures with long periods of cool wet weather can affect nutrient uptake by the plants. If you saw improvement last year as the season grew warmer, this may be the cause of the problem. In that case, all you need to do is wait for warmer weather.
The yellowing that is displayed could also be due to a deficiency of nitrogen or magnesium in either the soil or the plant. This situation may be caused by poor drainage and
excessive rain or irrigation.
Alternatively, the magnesium level in the soil may be sufficient yet unavailable to plants because the pH is too high or too low. Daphne prefer a pH level between 6.5 and 7.0. Some garden centers offer this pH testing very inexpensively (try Wilco).
Be aware that excessive levels of magnesium can actually limit the uptake of other nutrients. I would normally recommend a laboratory soil test but that would not be useful now since you recently fertilized.
Aside from having the soil pH checked, I think the best course of action at this point would be a regular application of organic matter. This will help mitigate extreme pH levels and generally improve the soil. Apply one-inch of compost once a year.
I hope this is helpful. Please write back if you have additional questions.
Thanks for sending the photo. Given your description, the problem is likely either environmental or an imbalance in the soil. Low soil temperatures with long periods of cool wet weather can affect nutrient uptake by the plants. If you saw improvement last year as the season grew warmer, this may be the cause of the problem. In that case, all you need to do is wait for warmer weather.
The yellowing that is displayed could also be due to a deficiency of nitrogen or magnesium in either the soil or the plant. This situation may be caused by poor drainage and
excessive rain or irrigation.
Alternatively, the magnesium level in the soil may be sufficient yet unavailable to plants because the pH is too high or too low. Daphne prefer a pH level between 6.5 and 7.0. Some garden centers offer this pH testing very inexpensively (try Wilco).
Be aware that excessive levels of magnesium can actually limit the uptake of other nutrients. I would normally recommend a laboratory soil test but that would not be useful now since you recently fertilized.
Aside from having the soil pH checked, I think the best course of action at this point would be a regular application of organic matter. This will help mitigate extreme pH levels and generally improve the soil. Apply one-inch of compost once a year.
I hope this is helpful. Please write back if you have additional questions.
Thank you very much for all of the advice. I will see what I can do to bring them back. Bob Stebner
