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Pruning guide

How to prune cape leadwort (blue plumbago)

Best time
Hard prune late winter to early spring; light trim after each bloom flush
How often
Hard prune annually; deadhead and tip-trim throughout the growing season
Technique
In late winter, cut all main stems back to within 30–45 cm (12–18 in) of the base or structural framework using loppers or secateurs. During the season, deadhead spent flower clusters and shorten lateral shoots by one-third to promote branching and reblooming.

More cape leadwort (blue plumbago) care

Pruning cape leadwort (blue plumbago) — FAQ

When should I prune cape leadwort (blue plumbago)?

Hard prune late winter to early spring; light trim after each bloom flush. In late winter, cut all main stems back to within 30–45 cm (12–18 in) of the base or structural framework using loppers or secateurs. During the season, deadhead spent flower clusters and shorten lateral shoots by one-third to promote branching and reblooming.

How often does cape leadwort (blue plumbago) need pruning?

Hard prune annually; deadhead and tip-trim throughout the growing season. Cape Leadwort blooms on current-season growth and requires annual pruning to flower well. Left unpruned it becomes a tangled, sparse-flowering scrambler. Cut back hard in late winter or early spring, and trim lightly after each flowering flush through the season to encourage fresh, bloom-bearing shoots.

How do you prune cape leadwort (blue plumbago)?

In late winter, cut all main stems back to within 30–45 cm (12–18 in) of the base or structural framework using loppers or secateurs. During the season, deadhead spent flower clusters and shorten lateral shoots by one-third to promote branching and reblooming.