With its sky-blue flowers, its rapid growth and its ability to even function as a climbing plant, the leadwort makes many friends in the world of plant lovers. But what will happen to him in winter?
Is leadwort hardy and how to overwinter?
The leadwort is not hardy and should therefore be overwintered indoors at 5-8 °C (dark room) or 7-12 °C (light room). Before overwintering, cut shoots back by half and water little, but do not fertilize.
An exotic: Not winterproof
The leadwort originally comes from warmer climatic regions of the world. As a result, it has difficulty dealing with low temperatures. As soon as it gets frosty, the end is near. It can survive light frost for a short time. But it cannot withstand a real, Central European winter with longer periods of frost.
Winter safely indoors
It is recommended not to plant the leadwort at all, but to keep it in the pot. Then it can easily be put in in the fall and wintered indoors. You have two options: hibernation in a bright room or in a dark room.
If you choose a bright room to spend the winter in, such as the winter garden, it should be between 7 and 12 °C. However, if you choose a dark room such as the basement, the temperatures there should be between 5 and 8 °C.
Cut down before overwintering
Before you house your leadwort, it should be cut down. You can act mercilessly here. Cut all shoots back by half. This means you can find a place for the plant more quickly, it takes up less space and needs less water.
What should you pay attention to when caring for winter?
The following care should be emphasized in winter:
- do not fertilize
- water little
- inspect for pest infestation (are often attacked by spider mites and aphids)
- Be careful of wetness ->gray mold
- clean out wilted leaves
- repot from the end of February
Winter outside in mild locations
Have you planted your leadwort and live in a region with a mild climate? Then the plant can perhaps be overwintered outside. Protect it generously with fleece (€72.00 on Amazon) and cut it back by 2/3 to 1/2 beforehand!
Tip
Don't panic: In a dark wintering quarter, leadwort loses its leaves. If you make it brighter again in spring, it will sprout again.