How Do I Take Care Of A Dipladenia Plant And…
Loretta Asked
How do I take care of a dipladenia plant and do I prune those long shoots it produces?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hi, Loretta: Dipladenia are tropicals for those of us gardening where the winters are cold. They are usually found in garden centers sold as hanging baskets or climbing on a trellis. Although they do not climb as well as a mandevilla, which they are related to and sometimes marked as such, they still deserve a place in the garden. They are prolific bloomers and add a punch of color to the summer garden. Dipladenia will bloom best when placed in full to part sun. You can trim it back if you need to, but the growth habit of this plant wants to climb or can also be used as a trailer. If you are growing your tropical in a container it will need watering every day during the hot summer months. Make sure the container has good drainage as the dipladenia will not tolerate standing water. You can fertilize once a month with a well-balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10.
