Hibernating Cape Mallow »This is the best way to get through the cold

Winter is a foreign word for them

The Cape Mallow has not developed winter hardiness, as this is not a necessity in its home on the southern tip of Africa. While it can grow outdoors as a bush there all year round, in this country it is planted in a tub, where it remains a little smaller.

This type of cultivation enables an easy change between summer and winter location. Because only with a specifically organized hibernation can the plant stay with us for several years and bloom year after year.

Beginning and end of winter time

The moving date for the Cape Mallow does not depend on the calendar alone, but on the currently prevailing weather. It is important to avoid frost, but also temperatures below 10 ° C.

The move can be postponed as far as the weather permits so that the late blossoms can also reap admiring glances. In spring, however, under favorable conditions, you can venture out before mid-May.

Don't just pay attention to the temperature during the day. There is a risk of night frosts in autumn and spring. Checking the weather forecast every day can save the Cape Mallow's life.

The ideal winter home

The Cape Mallow needs a room in winter where it is completely safe from frost. This should ideally offer the following conditions:

• lots of light
• Temperatures from 10 to 15 ° C

The Cape Mallow is evergreen, but can lose some of its leaves in its winter quarters if it is too dark. It will sprout again in the spring.

Cutting when there is insufficient space

If there is little space in the wintering quarters, the pruning-compatible plant can feel the scissors. The shoots can be shortened to 3-4 pairs of leaves so that only about a third of the crown remains. In spring, when the plant is sprouting again, it can be cut again if necessary.