Daphne are notoriously picky about the site placement. They absolute go into immediate decline if they get too much water. I actually built an eight inch mound, planted a portion of the root ball in the mound, but left enough roots out of the hole that I had to prop the shrub up with a couple of limbs until it got rooted in. I've had it for about 10 oe 12 years, and I'm told that this is quite uncommon for the daphne. However, I think I have lost it this year to a fungus as it has turned completely black and is losing its leaves. We have an extrememly we winter, and I guess it just couldn't take the extra water. I did root a number of cuttings so I have already planted new ones in a new location to avoid any remaining fungus that might be in the soil with the old shrub. For some good cultivation tips, check out this web site: http://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/stories/how-to-grow-daphne-odora