Daphne has split - divide in two?

[zidanemoggy]

I have a Daphne trans Eternal Fragrance that had a major fork low down when I bought it 2 years ago. In January, it split at the fork and has flopped a bit. The plant seems to be fine - it has new leaves. Should I dig it up and extend the split in order to get two plants? Or should I somehow tie the two forks together and hope it heals? Thx

 

[Sheal]

Welcome zidanemoggy. Photo's would help if possible, with a close up of where it's split please.

 

[zidanemoggy]

Hi Sheal, two photos attached, taken today. Thanks, Catherine

 

[Plantdoctor]

Tying it together and hoping it heals won't work,forget that.

Digging it up and splitting it won't work either, that will kill it.

Your only hope is to pune out completely one side, near the base ,and hope the other side survives .

 

[zidanemoggy]

Ok, I will try pruning. One last question, when should I do this - now (we are in the Pacific NW, so just into a very late-starting Spring) or in the Fall?

 

[Plantdoctor]

I would do it now,as it is damaged .

 

[Verdun]

A very large daphne odora aureomarginata growing in a friend's garden was trodden on by a clumsy visitor a couple of years back. The visitor's aim was to effectively split the plant in two.
I cut off the smaller and more damaged part and neatly pruned the remaining damaged shoots and heavily mulched. Surprisingly.....cos daphnes have a reputation for reacting badly to heavy pruning....the plant has thrived. Currently.....as last spring....it is full of flower.

 

[zidanemoggy]

Verdun, that's good news, I will give it a try. Thx.