The Cape Leadwort (Plumbago) originally hails from the sunny landscapes of South Africa. Since it’s a tropical beauty at heart, it’s really not built to handle chilly Northern winters on its own. If you want to see those gorgeous blue blooms year after year, you’ll need to give it a little extra TLC when the temperatures drop.
The Easiest Way: Keep It in a Pot
The simplest trick for keeping your Plumbago happy long-term is to grow it in a container. This makes moving it to a cozy winter spot a total breeze once fall rolls around. The “perfect” temperature for its winter home actually depends on how much light the room gets:
- Bright spots: If you’re moving it into a sunroom or a bright porch, aim for temperatures between 45°F and 55°F.
- Dark spots: If you’re tucking it away in a dark basement or garage, keep it even cooler—ideally between 40°F and 45°F.
Winter Care 101
Plumbago can be a bit finicky during the off-season if it’s not cared for correctly. To keep yours in tip-top shape, follow these quick rules:
- Give it a heavy prune before moving it indoors.
- Do a quick “bug check” for pests before bringing it inside so you don’t invite any unwanted guests.
- Cut back significantly on watering and stop fertilizing entirely.
- Regularly pluck off any withered or yellowing leaves.
Come February, it’s a great idea to repot your plant. Then, once the threat of frost has totally passed in the spring, you can move it back out to its favorite sunny spot in the garden.
Can It Stay Outside?
If you live in a region with a very mild climate and aren’t expecting a deep freeze, you *might* be able to get away with leaving your Plumbago in the ground. If you want to try it, cut the plant back hard and cover it with a thick layer of garden fleece or a heavy frost blanket to keep it insulated.
