Dipladenia

Dipladenia is in the Mandevilla family but has a decidedly different growth pattern. Mandevilla vines climb up vertical structures to seek the canopy light. Dipladenia is a bushier plant whose stems grow down and hang.

LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 8 through 11

CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Dipladenia is in the Mandevilla family but has a decidedly different growth pattern. Mandevilla vines climb up vertical structures to seek the canopy light. Dipladenia is a bushier plant whose stems grow down and hang.

FERTILIZER: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season, beginning in the spring just after new leaves appear. Apply a 10-20-10 (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium) water-soluble fertilizer at a rate of 1 tablespoon per 1 gallon of water. Pour the fertilizer directly onto the ground in a ring around the plant's base. 

FLOWERING: Blooms wide range of colors.

DISEASE: Check the top and bottom surface of the Dipladenia's leaves each time you water for signs of insect damage or populations of aphids, whiteflies and scale. Wash off small populations of these harmful insects with a steady stream of water. Spray the infested leaves with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to erradicate large populations.