Since leadwort originally comes from the tropics, it is a little sensitive when it comes to frost. It is therefore not considered winter hardy in our latitudes. How can you get it through the winter safely and without frost damage?
How do you overwinter the leadwort correctly?
The leadwort should overwinter in winter either in a bright, cool room (8-12 °C) or in a dark cellar. Before clearing away, cut back shoots and discard leaves if necessary. Regular, careful watering without fertilizer is important.
Can you overwinter the leadwort outside?
A pot-grown leadwort should never be overwintered outside. However, if it has been planted out, the chance of it surviving the winter is extremely small. But it's worth a try: Protect it with a thick layer of fleece (€7.00 on Amazon).
Wintering in your own four walls
The leadwort can also be overwintered at home, provided it is in a bucket or pot. Then he will be brought in from October. The place to overwinter should be light and cool. Temperatures between 8 and 12 °C are ideal. You might find these in your winter garden or stairwell?
This should be noted:
- the warmer it is, the more light it needs
- don't put it in an overheated living room
- in locations that are too warm, the risk of pest infestation increases
- If it is too warm, leadwort does not go into a resting phase (it needs it for abundant flowering)
- Don’t neglect care in winter
Wintering in the dark cellar
The leadwort can also be overwintered in a dark place (basement or garage). It should be cooler there than in a bright place. Please note that all foliage will be shed in such a wintering place and do not forget to water the plant carefully if necessary (do not fertilize!).
Tip
Before the leadwort is quartered, its shoots should be radically cut down. This means it needs less space at its wintering location.