How To Fix A Wilted And Dying Plumbago Plant

Question

I can’t seam to make them well again, please help. Thank you!

Answer 1

Plumbagos are drought-tolerant plants, and they do not need watering more than twice a week during the warmer summer months. But, that is once they are established after a few years and not if your soil is sandy and drains too well. When the weather cools and fall begins, reduce watering to once per week. I suspect they may have gotten much bigger and need more water than before and with the recent heat waves, they are not getting sufficient soil moisture. Consider adding some mulch to help minimize soil moisture loss. Then ensure you water thoroughly until all the soil around the plants is moist. Water again when the soil feels dry or almost dry. Too much water logged soil can promote root issues. Browned leaves due to watering issues may take a while to leaf out during the hot summer months. Blue plumbago is best grown in slightly acidic soils that drain properly and have a light texture. If your soil is alkaline, consider amending it with some manganese sulfate. More info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/plumbago/growing-plumbago-plants.htm A soil assay of your garden soil may be useful and indicate nutrient deficiencies or toxicities.