In addition to lupins and delphiniums, but also as a solitary plant, the cape basket is often planted. Whether on the balcony, the terrace or outside in the perennial bed - the cape basket loses out in winter if it is not overwintered.
How should a cape basket be overwintered in winter?
In order to overwinter a cape basket successfully, it should be kept in a bright, frost-free place at a cool temperature of 5 to 15 °C. Water sparingly, do not fertilize and pay regular attention to pests and ventilation of the room.
Cape basket – not sufficiently hardy
The Cape daisy originally comes from South Africa and is therefore not sufficiently hardy in our latitudes. Its minimum temperature is -5 °C. This means it will freeze to death if it is left outside unprotected over the winter.
The ideal wintering quarters
For overwintering, select a location for the cape basket that has the following characteristics:
- light (continues to grow in winter as it is evergreen)
- well suited: winter garden, cold house, gazebo, staircase
- frost-free
- 5 to 15 °C cool temperature
Care during wintering
Since this plant is evergreen, it needs care even in winter. It should be watered sparingly so that the soil does not dry out. You should avoid adding fertilizer! It is also recommended to check the cape basket for pest infestation. On top of that, it is beneficial to ventilate the winter storage room regularly.
After overwintering
As spring slowly approaches and with it the warmer days, you can slowly get your Cape basket used to direct sunlight again. Start by placing it in the shade and gradually give it more hours of sunshine.
From mid-May the perennial can really 'take off'. Then there is usually no longer any threat of frost. But first it should be cut back to hand height. Afterwards, watering is extremely important!
Tip
Overwintering the Cape daisy outdoors is pointless. Temperatures there all too often fall below freezing in winter. This would mean a quick end for this African perennial.
