Overwintering guide
How to overwinter round-leaf cape primrose
Winter watering
Cut watering right back — round-leaf cape primrose uses far less while growth slows, and cold, wet compost is the usual cause of winter root rot. Stop feeding until spring.
The mistake that kills round-leaf cape primrose in winter
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and round-leaf cape primrose rots from the base.
More round-leaf cape primrose care
Overwintering round-leaf cape primrose — FAQ
Does round-leaf cape primrose need to come indoors for winter?
Round-leaf Cape Primrose is hardy to roughly USDA zone 10 — winter lows around -1°C. That means it will not survive frost and needs to come inside. Round-leaf Cape Primrose is frost-tender, so overwintering means bringing it inside and letting it rest rather than pushing it to grow. Move it indoors well before the first frost, give it the brightest spot you have (light levels indoors drop sharply in winter), and keep it away from both cold window glass and hot radiators — the swing between the two does more damage than the cold itself.
When should I move round-leaf cape primrose for winter?
Bring indoors when nights start dropping below about 10°C, ahead of the first frost.
How often should I water round-leaf cape primrose in winter?
Cut watering right back — round-leaf cape primrose uses far less while growth slows, and cold, wet compost is the usual cause of winter root rot. Stop feeding until spring.
What kills round-leaf cape primrose over winter?
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and round-leaf cape primrose rots from the base.