Overwintering Dipladenia: procedure & care

The Dipladenia, also called Mandevilla, is usually cultivated as an annual plant in a pot. But can the plant also be overwintered? We show what you should consider when overwintering a Mandevilla.

Whether Dipladenia or Mandevilla (Mandevilla) – what is meant is a beautiful, trailing plant that produces magnificent flowers non-stop from spring to late summer. However, when the flowering period is over, the plant migrates to the compost for many. However, this does not have to be the case, because the Mandevilla is a perennial plant - provided it survives the cold winter. In order for you to hibernate your Dipladenia successfully, we will tell you in this article when it gets too cold, where the best winter quarters are and how it needs to be cared for in winter.

Overwintering Dipladenia: are there hardy varieties?

Native to the tropics, the Dipladenia feels most comfortable in a warm and sunny climate all year round. Even temperatures below 8 °C damage the heat spoiled plant. The only exception is the hardy Dipladenia species Mandevilla laxa. Also known as Chilean jasmine, it can withstand freezing temperatures down to -5°C. The following applies to all other Dipladenia species such as the popular 'Sundaville' variety: They do not tolerate cold and are therefore not hardy. However, not hardy does not mean that the plant cannot be overwintered. Buying flowers and plants for just one season is bad for the wallet and is not at all in the interests of sustainability. The Dipladenia can be overwintered without much effort and give you so many years of pleasure.

The most important questions about Dipladenia in winter answered briefly:

• Dipladenia or Mandevilla? – Both names mean the same plant.
• Can you overwinter Dipladenia? - Yes.
• Is the Dipladenia annual? – No, it can be cultivated for several years.
• When does the Mandevilla get too cold? – From temperatures below 8 °C.
• Are there hardy Dipladenia varieties? – Mandevilla laxa is the only species that tolerates temperatures down to -5 °C.

Overwintering Dipladenia: The right location

Proper hibernation of your Mandevilla includes an ideal location, the right approach and appropriate care during the cold season. We explain all these points in the following sections.

Whether on the terrace, the balcony or in the garden - it gets too cold outside for the Dipladenia in winter. So you have to bring the climbing plant into the warmth early in the fall to overwinter it in the pot. The ideal winter quarters for the Mandevilla is a cold house, for example a frost-free greenhouse or a cold conservatory. Here the plant gets enough light and the temperatures are not too warm. Suboptimal winter quarters for your Dipladenia would be in the warm apartment, for example in the living room, or in the dark basement. If the Mandevilla gets too warm in winter, it may not bloom the next year. The temperature in the basement or in the garage is right, but it is too dark for the sun-kissed plant. Overwintering is only possible with a plant lamp.

Various winter locations for the Dipladenia at a glance:

• Overwintering Dipladenia outside: Not possible
• Hibernate Dipladenia in a cold house: ideal
• Overwintering Dipladenia in the living room: Possible, but not ideal
• Hibernate Dipladenia in the basement: Only possible with lighting

Cut back Dipladenia before overwintering

You can start preparing for winter as early as autumn. A pruning prepares your Dipladenia well for the winter and also gives it a more compact and space-saving shape. If you don't have that much space indoors, this is a great advantage. For pruning, the plant is shortened by a third both in height and in width. How to at Cutting the Dipladenia You can find out the best way to proceed in our special article.

Tip: The sap of the mandevilla is harmful to the skin. Therefore, wear gloves for all care measures.

Caring for Dipladenia in winter

After cutting, the Dipladenia is ready for its winter quarters. There it should be as bright as possible and at constant temperatures between 8 and 10 °C. Don't fertilize in winter. Water the plant only moderately and as needed when the top layer of the substrate has dried. To ensure a pleasant level of humidity, spray your Mandevilla regularly with a spray bottle. Unfortunately, your Dipladenia offers pests such as mealybugs (pseudococcidae), spider mites (Tetranychidae) and scale insects (coccoidea) an ideal home. In order to recognize an infestation early enough and to be able to react accordingly, check the plant regularly.

Tip: During the winter it is not uncommon for your Dipladenia to lose its leaves. In the spring these should grow back and the plant will sprout again.

If the Dipladenia has survived the winter well, it should not be overwintered prematurely. Don't put them outside again until May at the earliest, when temperatures are consistently above 8°C.

In a nutshell: Overwintering Dipladenia and caring for it in winter:

• Cut back before winter
• Optimal temperature: 8 – 10 °C
• As bright as possible
• Don't fertilize
• Water moderately
• Moisten with spray bottle
• Check regularly for pests
• Hibernation in May at the earliest

Other tropical plants - such as the lantana - can also be overwintered successfully. You can find out all about this in our special article on Lantana in winter.

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