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Twice last week I was asked about the exotic evergreen climbing vine (often called a shrub) Mandevilla (Brazilian jasmine). When I get asked about this plant I like to point out that there is continuing confusion about it (there at least four distinct varieties, but the most popular in Ontario seems to be ‘Alice Dupont’ with bright pink flowers), because there is another plant--Dipladenia--with similar attributes. Botanically, many growers are now ‘buying’ the latest botanical re-classification, which puts all the former plants known as Dipladenia into the genus Mandevilla. Suffice it to say, there are certainly a few differences between the two plants. Mandevilla is usually found grown on a trellis in a pot. Dipladenia is more likely to be sold as a small potted plant without a trellis. The flowers of Mandevilla are generally larger, and the leaves, also larger and much longer than wide, are not as leathery but quite rough in texture. Dipladenia, on the other hand, has smaller somewhat heart-shaped leaves that are smooth and quite leathery. Mandevilla's also show a tendency to vine more. Having said all that, the question usually is what to do with them over the winter. Tropical plants in our temperate gardens have greatly increased in popularity in the last decade. It is a shame to toss them in the compost pile or garbage bin each year. Lantana, Fuchsia standards, potato vines, standard roses, passion vines, Mandevilla and Dipladenia may all be over-wintered in a cool basement room or equivalent. In my Toronto basement cool plant room we supplied the light from a couple of 48” fluorescent tubes overhead, on for about 14 hours a day. With most of these, particularly Mandevilla, it is important that they be kept almost totally for the winter months. Generally, the cooler the temperature without freezing, the better. In late February or March, move them to a brighter position, and when growth recommences, water more frequently, and include a soluble fertilizer (20-20-20 at first then a 15-30-15). Dipladenia (a somewhat different plant, contrary to what has been said over and over in other media) is better wintered at around 20o C in a sunny window. |
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