Overwintering guide
How to overwinter variegated elephant bush
Winter watering
Water only occasionally — enough that the rootball never dries out completely, no more. No feeding until spring growth begins.
The mistake that kills variegated elephant bush in winter
Bringing variegated elephant bush into a warm living room. Too much winter warmth forces weak, pale growth that collapses when it goes back outside — cool and bright beats warm and dim.
More variegated elephant bush care
- Overwintering elephant bush — the species this cultivar belongs to
- Overwintering variegated elephant bush — our other guide for the same plant
- Full variegated elephant bush care guide
- Variegated Elephant Bush temperature range
- How often to water variegated elephant bush
- How to prune variegated elephant bush
- Common variegated elephant bush problems & fixes
- Best plant identifier apps — tested and ranked
Overwintering variegated elephant bush — FAQ
Does variegated elephant bush need to come indoors for winter?
Variegated Elephant Bush is hardy to roughly USDA zone 9 — winter lows around -7°C. That means it takes cool conditions but not a real freeze. Variegated Elephant Bush will take cool conditions but not a hard freeze, so the aim is a frost-free winter rather than a warm one. An unheated greenhouse, porch, conservatory or bright garage all work well. Keep it cool, bright and on the dry side, and it will hold steady until growth restarts in spring.
When should I move variegated elephant bush for winter?
Move under cover before the first hard frost; back outside after the last spring frost.
How often should I water variegated elephant bush in winter?
Water only occasionally — enough that the rootball never dries out completely, no more. No feeding until spring growth begins.
What kills variegated elephant bush over winter?
Bringing variegated elephant bush into a warm living room. Too much winter warmth forces weak, pale growth that collapses when it goes back outside — cool and bright beats warm and dim.