Daphnes in troughs/pots

I keep losing small Daphnes in my potting soils.  Does anyone have recipes that they use for troughs or pots for them?  I just lost my last D. Velenovskyi that I got from Kathy Allen.

I don't think it is useful, recipes from Eastern regions in U.S., because of the summer rains.  Perhaps, Denver regions.  I have never lost a Daphne from Rick Lupp, but, he potted small plants in 2" pots in pumice fines.  I am trying to move from two inch to ceramic pots or hypertufa troughs.  I live in the Bay area in California, and I have a long, dry, hot summers, but, get respites when the coastal fog comes in, and the wind, and cool air blows into my area . I do not get snow, and have a lot of summer, dry heat. 

I have Robin White's book on Daphne's, and his recipe was slightly altered, but, it may be that the plant was lost because it was transplanted, which can be tricky.

I would appreciate anyone's advice, please.  Cecile

BTW, just put one in a Tufa rock today.