Take a large pot or planter with holes in the base. Cover the bottom with a layer of potsherds or hydrograins. Put some potting compost in the pot and plant the Leadwort at the appropriate depth. Fill the pot with compost and press firmly. Immediately water after planting. Place the pot in a position with complete sunshine or light shade.

Leadwort makes a great combination plant

Leadwort is an easy-to-grow and rich flowering tub plant. Its curvy stems are also great trained along a trellis. These elegant flowers (which attract butterflies) look beautiful when combined with Bougainvillea and Ipomoea Purpurea. Place these plants together in a group on your patio. You'll be spellbound by the beautiful purple-blue colour combination of these plants.

Water your Leadwort almost everyday during the summer. Make sure the soil always remains moderately damp, but it does not tolerate soggy soil. It is recommended to remove the dead flowers on a regular basis. After flowering, cut the dead stems down to approximately 25 cm long. For an extra rich flowering during the summer, it is advised to provide a fertilizer on a regular basis.

Leadwort can be preserved throughout the winter

This strong tub plant is easy to preserve during the winter. Prune well in the autumn, removing any stems that have been damaged by frosts and place Leadwort in a cool room (5-10˚ C). Water moderately without letting the soil dry out. From April onwards, you can water more often as it gets warmer. Trim all old branches and stems whether short or long in order to create a neat appearance. Leadwort can now head back out to adorn your patio.

Leadwort originates from the warm South Africa. Its Latin name Plumbago auriculata has to do with its sky blue colour.