Don’s Expert Answers: Advice on whether I should plant Daphne in between Magnolia trees

Question From:
in Maroubra, Maroubra New South Wales

Nature of problem:
Advice on whether I should plant Daphne in between Magnolia trees

Type of Plant (if known):
Magnolia Teddy Bear and Daphne Perfume Princess

Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
no illness

Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
organic garden soil

How often do you water the plant:
garden bed is watered once a week

How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
Mostly morning sun during winter and nearly all day in summer

How long since you planted it:
Magnolias were planted 2 years ago. Have not planted Daphne yet.

Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
organic fertilizer for the Magnolia trees

Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
outdoors

Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
garden bed

What other treatments have you given the plant:
seasol

Upload photo if available:

Other Comments:
I have purchased the daphne plants recently and was happy to plant them, but wanted to make sure they weren’t going to cause any problems with the magnolias. The magnolias are 1m apart and I have removed the bottom branches. I’d like to put the daphnes in between to create a layer effect.

Thanks so much for your help!
Christine.

Answer:
Hi Christine, All should be OK. Daphnes love the Dandenongs in Victoria, and are OK in Melbourne. They just tolerate Sydney, but hate the beachside suburbs. Your position seem quite good and a raised garden is great. Cross your fingers and water them well. Don