Dipladenia is a popular flowering plant known for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms and glossy foliage. Often chosen for its visual appeal and ease of care, it brings a tropical feel to any setting. These plants are commonly featured in hanging baskets, containers, and garden designs, attracting pollinators like hummingbirds and bees. They flower continuously from spring into fall.
Dipladenia’s Perennial Nature
Dipladenia is a perennial vine originating from the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America. In these warm, frost-free environments, it thrives as an evergreen, maintaining its vibrant foliage and producing flowers year-round. A perennial plant lives for more than two years, returning to grow and bloom season after season.
The perennial nature of Dipladenia depends on regional climate and USDA hardiness zones. It functions as a perennial in zones 9 through 11, where temperatures rarely fall below freezing. In these conditions, the plant enjoys an extended blooming period, often from March through November, due to consistent warmth.
In cooler zones, Dipladenia is a tender perennial, meaning it cannot withstand cold temperatures or frost. Exposure to temperatures consistently below 50°F (10°C), and especially below 45°F (7°C), can damage or kill the plant, requiring it to be treated as an annual. To survive year-round in many areas, it often needs to be brought indoors to protect it from winter’s chill.
Cultivating Dipladenia Year After Year
For gardeners in colder climates, maintaining Dipladenia as a perennial requires a careful overwintering process indoors. Bring the plant inside before the first frost or when nighttime temperatures consistently dip below 60°F (15°C). Inspect the plant thoroughly for any pests and prune it back by roughly half its size to manage its shape and prevent unwanted hitchhikers.
During the indoor dormancy period, Dipladenia’s water and nutrient requirements decrease significantly. Water sparingly, allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry completely between waterings, which might be as infrequent as once a month, just enough to keep the roots from becoming completely dry. Position the plant in a bright location, preferably a south or southwest-facing window, to ensure it receives sufficient indirect light. Some leaf drop is normal as it adjusts.
Alternatively, a cool, frost-free location like a basement or garage, maintaining temperatures above 50°F (10°C), can serve as a suitable overwintering spot, especially if the plant is hard-pruned to about 12 inches. Fertilization should be suspended during winter, resuming only in late winter or early spring when new growth emerges. Gradually increase watering and apply a balanced liquid plant food every few weeks to support vigorous growth and abundant flowering before moving it back outdoors after the last frost.
Dipladenia Versus Mandevilla
A common point of confusion arises between Dipladenia and Mandevilla, as they are closely related and often used interchangeably. Both belong to the Mandevilla genus and share the characteristic trumpet-shaped flowers. However, differences in growth habit and foliage help distinguish them.
Dipladenia typically exhibits a bushier, more compact growth habit, with stems that tend to spill or trail rather than climb. Its leaves are generally smaller, heart-shaped, and possess a smooth, glossy texture. Mandevilla, in contrast, is known for its strong vining nature, often growing upwards of 10 to 20 feet and requiring a trellis or support structure. While both attract pollinators and offer vibrant blooms, Dipladenia flowers are often slightly smaller than those of Mandevilla.