All About Dipladenia

 

Looking for nonstop summer color that can handle the East Texas heat? Dipladenia is a bushier relative of Mandevilla that’s perfect for pots by the pool, sunny patios, decks, and other warm spots in the landscape.

With its naturally full shape and colorful blooms, Dipladenia is showy enough to stand on its own or can be used as the “thriller” in a container planting. It’s also a beautiful alternative to Tropical Hibiscus in larger pots.

 

 
 

Beautiful Blooms All Summer

 

Dipladenia produces trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, coral, peach, and white, depending on the variety. The blooms can also attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Its glossy, deep-green foliage creates the perfect backdrop for all those bright flowers. Unlike the more vigorous climbing forms of Mandevilla, Dipladenia generally has a bushier, more compact growth habit and usually doesn’t require the same type of trellis or support.

 

 
 

Sun & Heat

 

Dipladenia loves warm weather and plenty of light. Full sun to partial sun generally produces the best flowering, although some protection from the most intense East Texas afternoon sun can be helpful in especially hot locations.

Make sure containers have good drainage, since Dipladenia doesn’t like sitting in waterlogged soil.

 
 

Watering

 

Container-grown Dipladenia may need frequent watering during our hottest summer weather, but don’t water simply because the calendar says it’s time.

Check the potting mix first and water thoroughly when the upper portion begins to dry. The exact frequency will depend on the container size, sunlight, temperature, wind, and potting mix.

 
 

Fertilizing

 

Because Dipladenia flowers heavily throughout the growing season, container-grown plants may benefit from regular feeding while they’re actively growing and blooming.

Choose a fertilizer appropriate for flowering container plants and follow the product label for rates and frequency. Avoid automatically feeding every week unless the particular fertilizer’s directions recommend that schedule.

 
 

Can You Overwinter Dipladenia?

 

Dipladenia is a tropical plant and isn’t reliably winter hardy outdoors in East Texas. Many gardeners simply enjoy it as a warm-season annual, but container plants can also be overwintered indoors if you have an appropriate location.

Before bringing a plant inside, inspect it carefully for insects. Place it in a bright location and reduce watering as growth slows. Fertilizer usually isn’t necessary when the plant isn’t actively growing.

Once warm weather returns, gradually acclimate the plant to outdoor conditions before placing it back into stronger sunlight.

 
 

A Summer Favorite!

 

If you want big color without a lot of fuss, Dipladenia is hard to beat. Give it plenty of light, good drainage, and appropriate moisture, and you’ll have beautiful tropical color throughout the warm season.