Question
I can't keep my daphne's alive longer than two years. They'll look great for quite some time then almost instantly, without warning, cash it in. What gives?
Also, have problems with scales on camellias, I've sprayed but hasn't seemed to help. Any sugestions?

Answer
Mike,

I've lost Daphne for two reasons.  1. Hard winter ( which in Portland means staying in the 20s for a couple days).  Sheltered ones make it.  Exposed ones bite it.  2.  Bad drainage.  They don't like wet feet.  Make sure they're not sitting in lousy (clay) soil waterlogged for the winter.  Improve the soil with compost and/or sand where you plant the next "victim".

Scale usually likes things dark and quiet, and even a little moist.   You might try pruning it a little to let light and circulating air into the interior of the Camellia.   Unless your Camellia is  huge, you could just spend a few minutes physically scraping them off.  Also, be honest about the effect scale is having on the plant.  There's a certain level of pest infestation that plants can tolerate.  Even though you've spotted them, if they are under the toleration limit of your particular Camellia,  don't worry about them.  

For what it's worth,
Mark in Portland