Identity of plant
Colleen Asked
This plant was in a hanging basket, but had no identifying information. I need to know what kind of plant it is and how to care for it after the blooming season.
The Gardener’s Answer
Hi, Colleen: The plant in your hanging basket is a Dipladenia. These South American natives are considered tropicals for Kentucky gardeners. They will not survive outside during our cold winters. They can also be treated as an annual and purchased each spring to enjoy throughout the summer months or they can be overwintered indoors. They will not bloom during this time, and they will drop some foliage. As the temperatures begin to cool, keep an eye on the weather and plan to bring your plant inside before the first frost. It will seem drastic but cut it back 6-8 inches before you bring it inside. Keep it on the dry side during the winter and gradually increase the moisture as it breaks dormancy and puts on new growth next spring. Once the chance of frost has passed, take it back outside in a shady location. They are sun-loving plants but will need to be slowly acclimated back into the full sun after spending the winter indoors with much lower light levels. They will benefit from a well balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 to promote new growth and produce flowers.
Angie Oakley
Kentucky Living-Ask the Gardener
