Calibrachoa plants have the ability to come back after winter in USDA zones 7 and 8. These zones typically experience mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. However, it is important to take certain steps to ensure the survival and regrowth of calibrachoa plants.
Before temperatures drop to freezing, it is recommended to cut back the calibrachoa plants. This can be done using a lawnmower set on its highest setting. By cutting back the plants, you are removing any dead or damaged growth, which can help promote healthier regrowth in the spring.
After cutting back the plants, it is advisable to mound 4 to 6 inches of loose mulch over the entire garden bed where the calibrachoa is planted. This mulch acts as insulation, protecting the plants from extreme cold temperatures. Suitable options for mulch include straw, shredded leaves, or pine needles. These materials help to retain moisture in the soil and provide a layer of protection against frost.
It is important to ensure that the mulch is loose and not compacted, as compacted mulch can hinder the plants’ ability to grow and may cause rotting. Additionally, make sure that the mulch covers the entire garden bed to provide uniform protection for the calibrachoa plants.
By following these steps, you are creating a favorable environment for the calibrachoa plants to survive the winter. The mulch acts as a barrier against freezing temperatures, helping to maintain a more stable soil temperature. This, in turn, promotes the survival of the plants’ root systems and increases the likelihood of regrowth in the spring.
In my personal experience, I have successfully overwintered calibrachoa plants in USDA zone 8 by following these steps. By cutting back the plants and adding a layer of mulch, I have been able to ensure their survival through the winter months. Once warm weather arrives in spring, the calibrachoa plants have consistently regrown and bloomed beautifully.
To summarize, calibrachoa plants have the potential to come back after winter in USDA zones 7 and 8. By cutting back the plants before freezing temperatures and mounding loose mulch over the garden bed, you can provide the necessary protection for their survival. With proper care, calibrachoa plants will regrow and thrive when warmer weather returns.