If you are like me, you were probably looking forward to seeing some beautiful plumbago flowers blooming in your garden this year. Unfortunately, it seems that they are not going to happen. But why is this? In this blog post, we will take a look at the reasons why plumbago plants may not bloom, as well as some tips on what you can do to encourage them to bloom next year.

Why Is My Plumbago Not Blooming? 

The most common reasons for plumbago not blooming include bad weather, overwatering, pests infestations, and a lack of nutrients. All of these issues can put the plumbago under stress, which can prevent it from blooming.

I will now go into each of these reasons in more detail so that you can troubleshoot the problem and try to get your plumbago blooming again next year.

1. Lack Of Nutrients

If your plumbago is not getting enough of the right nutrients, it will not bloom. This is often the case if you have recently moved the plant to a new location or changed the type of soil it is growing in.

To amend the soil, you can add compost or manure to it. You can also use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus, as this will encourage blooming. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package so that you do not overdo it and end up burning the roots of your plumbago.

I recommend using fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer can be used at the start of the season, while a 10-30-10 fertilizer can be used to encourage blooming.

If you suspect that your plumbago is not getting enough nutrients, you can also have a soil test done to confirm this. This will tell you what nutrients are lacking and how much needs to be added.

2. Bad Weather

Bad weather can also cause plumbago not to bloom. If it is too cold or if there has been a lot of rain, this can stress the plant and prevent it from blooming. frost is especially damaging to plumbago, so be sure to protect it if there is a chance of frost in your area.

If the weather has been bad for an extended period of time, you may need to wait until next year for your plumbago to bloom again. However, if the weather is just starting to improve, you may still be able to encourage your plumbago to bloom by giving it some extra TLC.

Extra TLC can include things like adding a layer of mulch to the soil to help retain moisture, moving the plant to a more sheltered location, or giving it extra water during dry periods.

3. Overwatering

While plumbagos do need to be watered regularly, overwatering can also cause them not to bloom. This is because the roots of the plant can become waterlogged, which prevents them from getting the oxygen they need to function properly.

If you think your plumbago may be overwatered, try letting the soil dry out for a week or two before watering again. You can also try moving the plant to a location with better drainage.

Moving forward, only add more water when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Be sure to check the soil before watering, as there is no need to water it if it is still moist. A moisture meter can be used to help you determine when the soil is dry.

4. Pest Infestation

Plumbago pests can also prevent plumbagos from blooming. Aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites are all common pests that can infest plumbago plants. These pests suck the sap out of the plant, which can cause it to become stressed and prevented it from blooming.

If you think your plumbago has pests, you can treat it with an insecticide. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package and apply it when the pests are active. You may need to reapply the insecticide several times to get rid of all of the pests.

My favorite insecticide is neem oil, as it’s an organic option that is safe to use in the garden.

However, there are many other effective insecticides on the market, so be sure to choose one that is right for your needs.

You can also try using a natural pest control method, such as adding ladybugs to your garden. Ladybugs are predators of many common garden pests and can help to keep them under control.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many reasons why plumbagos may not bloom. These include lack of nutrition, bad weather, overwatering, and pest infestation. Look closely for signs of each of these problems so that you can take steps to fix them. With a little bit of care, your plumbago should start blooming again in no time!

Do you have any tips for getting plumbagos to bloom? If so, please share them in the comments below!