The Dipladenia is a popular plant in the garden - but is not sufficiently frost hardy in our latitudes. At temperatures as low as 8 degrees, the plant needs winter protection in the light at 10 to 15 degrees. The only exception is the Mandevilla Laxa variety. With a warm winter protection made of jute and brushwood, it will sprout again in spring.
How do you properly overwinter a Dipladenia?
In order to overwinter a Dipladenia successfully, it should be moved into the bright interior at 10-15°C from 8°C onwards. Water sparingly and do not fertilize at all, while pruning can be applied in winter or spring.
How do you overwinter a Dipladenia?
The Dipladenia is hibernated frost-free in the hallway or winter garden from an outside temperature of < 8 °C bright and cold at approx. 10 degrees. In winter, only water lightly when the soil is dry and do not fertilize. Prune by 2/3 in winter or spring. The Mandevilla Laxa variety is the only one that can be overwintered outside wrapped in jute.
Are Dipladenia hardy?
Most of the Dipladenia species available in garden shops arenot hardy. Temperatures below 8 degrees Celsius are difficult to tolerate. An exception is the Laxa variety, which is much more cold-resistant. However, when temperatures are constantly below zero, it is almost impossible for this species to hibernate outside without help.
| Name | short-term temperature minimum | Temperature for wintering |
|---|---|---|
| Mandevilla Sundaville Red | 0 degrees Celsius | 8 to 15 degrees Celsius |
| Mandevilla Sundaville White Pyamide | 0 degrees Celsius | 8 to 15 degrees Celsius |
| Dipladenia Crimson Red | 0 degrees Celsius | 8 to 15 degrees Celsius |
| Dipladenia Diamantina Opale Citrine | 0 degrees Celsius | 8 to 15 degrees Celsius |
| Mandevilla Laxa | -10 degrees Celsius | -5 to 0 degrees Celsius |
| Dipladenia Hybrida Rio Deep Red | 5 degrees Celsius | 15 to 18 degrees Celsius |
The best location for Dipladenias in winter?
Even during the winter, Dipladenias need enough light to avoid dying. A location in the basement or garage is only suitable if there is a lot of window light. The significantly poorer indoor climate in basements and garages can lead to pest infestation. We have put together an overview of the most common ailments in this article.
If the Dipladenia is brought into the winter quarters, it often continues to bloom.
The ideal winter quarters are a cold house or greenhouse that maintains a constant temperature of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius and is sufficiently bright. Living rooms or hallways that have the same conditions are also suitable. In any case, ensure that the location is completely frost-free.
In principle, it is also possible to overwinter in the apartment, although it is important to ensure that the temperature and brightness are suitable. Temperatures that are too high or reduced light intensity can lead to flowering stopping.
Overwintering outdoors is only possible for the genus Laxa, also known as Chilean jasmine. In order to provide the potted plant with as much light and warmth as possible, the pot should be facing south. In addition, additional measures to protect against frost are recommended, such as covering with a jute sack and laying out straw and brushwood. These protect the sensitive roots in particular from freezing.
Instructions: Overwintering Dipladenia
Overwintering the Amblyanthera is easily possible if strict guidelines are adhered to. The tropical plant reacts particularly critically to temperatures that are too low, which is why it should be brought indoors from 8 degrees Celsius. An exception to this rule is the variety Mandevilla laxa, which is much less sensitive to frost.
When overwintering itself, ensure a minimum temperature of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius and sufficient lighting. The Dipladenia does not need fertilizer at all during its winter rest and watering should also be reduced to a minimum. In addition, pruning should be carried out in autumn or spring to stimulate budding.
The earliest possible time for planting outdoors is from mid-May after the Ice Saints. After this date, there is usually no longer any risk of significant drops in temperature that could influence the development of the shrub.
Caring for Dipladenia in winter
Even during winter rest, the tropical plant needs care in order to bloom profusely next year. Important elements here are pruning, irrigation and fertilization.
pruning
In order to achieve bushy growth, regular annual pruning is essential. Pruning the Amblyanthera is a crucial factor for new growth in spring and should not be neglected. The climbing plant only produces its flowers on new shoots. Several years without pruning would encourage the branches to become bald.
Pruning is generally possible either in autumn or in early spring. By pruning in spring, the plant will retain its blooms for a long time in winter. However, it should be noted that late pruning also results in late flowering in the new year. Since space requirements often play an important role when moving to winter quarters, the time of winterization is suitable for cutting back. Shortening the shoots reduces the space required and the flowers appear earlier in the new year.
Parallel to pruning in winter, new plants can be grown from the shoots.
In general, the Mandevilla is one of the plants that tolerates pruning and also tolerates intensive pruning. The extent of the pruning depends primarily on personal wishes. If you want to keep your Dipladenia small and compact, we recommend shortening the shoots by a maximum of half. If you prefer a tall and narrow specimen, cutting up to a maximum length of a third of the shoots is sufficient. In addition to the former flowering shoots, the exclusively leafy branches should also be trimmed regularly.
Practical tips on how to properly cut climbing plants and an illustrative example are summarized by Gartenmoni in the following video.
Dipladenia / Dipladenie richtig schneiden im Februar
Tip
A toxic, milky plant sap emerges from the interfaces between the Mandevilla branches and can irritate the skin. Be sure to wear gloves when working on the plant to protect yourself.
Pouring
The Mandevilla needs high humidity over the winter. You can achieve this by regularly spraying the plant with low-lime water. It is also possible to set up a separate water bowl.
To prevent overwatering and the formation of waterlogging, ensure moderate irrigation. You can tell when the time is right for watering again by the consistency of the substrate. As soon as the top layers have dried, you should grab a watering can. Alternatively, a moisture meter (€39.00 at Amazon) can be used. Complete drying out of the root ball should always be avoided.
Fertilize
Fertilization in winter should be completely avoided. During winter dormancy, the plant generally does not need any additional nutrients. In the worst case, the administration of fertilizers leads to over-fertilization, which can be life-threatening.
Wintering out Dipladenia
With increasingly warmer temperatures outdoors, the time for wintering is getting closer. However, since the climatic conditions inside and outside often differ greatly, the shrub needs gradual acclimatization. In this context, the nursing activity must also be adjusted.
As soon as the temperatures are above 8 degrees both during the day and at night, the Dipladenia can stay outdoors permanently. However, since the temperatures remain below those of the day, especially at night, the shrub should be brought indoors to be on the safe side.
- End of March to mid-May: Slowly increase fertilizer application and water amounts
- from mid-May: Place Dipladenia outside in a semi-shady place during the day and continue to stay protected in the winter quarters overnight
- from the beginning of June: Move the shrub to a full sun spot
Pay attention to the reaction of your plant during the individual steps. If there are signs of intolerance, the appropriate acclimatization phases should be extended.
The buds of Dipladenia appear after overwintering in April.
Replacing old soil after wintering is not a must, but recommended. Fresh soil contains significantly more nutrients than old soil. Nutrient requirements are particularly high, especially at the beginning of the growing season. The ideal substrate mixture is a mixture of potting soil, coconut soil and expanded clay in a ratio of 1 to 1 to 1. We have put together additional information for you here on how to appropriately repot the climbing plant.
FAQ
How to care for Dipladenia in winter?
The Dipladenia requires little care over the winter. While fertilizer should be avoided completely, watering is necessary in moderation. Therefore, check the moisture content of the substrate regularly to prevent it from drying out.
How do you overwinter Dipladenia laxa outside?
Dipladenia laxa is one of the most cold-resistant varieties, but requires frost protection. Allow the plant to receive as much sunlight as possible, which is considered a natural source of heat. In addition, the sensitive roots in particular should be protected by laying out straw and brushwood. The above-ground part of the plant should be covered with an air-permeable jute bag.
Which Dipladenia are frost hardy?
Only Dipladenia laxa (Chilean jasmine) can tolerate temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius. At its peak, temperatures of up to -10 degrees Celsius can be withstood, although this only applies to a short period of time. If temperatures remain below zero for longer periods, it is necessary to apply frost protection.
When should Dipladenia be cut back?
The Mandevilla can be cut back in both autumn and spring. In practice, pruning in spring has proven to be effective, as the dried shoots can be cut back in one operation. When choosing the time, it is important that it directly influences the upcoming flowering period.
Can Dipladenia be overwintered?
In principle, Dipladenia is a perennial plant, but in this country it is often kept as an annual plant due to its sensitivity to frost. If the minimum temperatures that can be tolerated are observed, sufficient exposure to light and appropriate care over the winter months are observed, the climbing plant can also be overwintered.
