You can plant mandevilla vines in the ground, but the suitability of this will depend on your specific climate and zone. Mandevilla vines are typically recommended for outdoor planting in zones 9 to 11. In these zones, the climate is generally warm and mild, allowing mandevilla to thrive.
In zone 9, where winters can be slightly cooler, mandevilla vines may go dormant or semi-dormant during the winter months. This means that the plant will enter a period of rest and growth will slow down. The foliage may even drop off, but the plant will remain alive. Once the weather warms up again, the vine will emerge from its dormancy and resume active growth. It’s important to note that the extent of dormancy may vary depending on the specific conditions in your area.
On the other hand, in the most tropical growing zones, such as zones 10 and 11, mandevilla vines tend to be evergreen. This means they will maintain their lush foliage year-round without going dormant. In these zones, mandevilla can be a beautiful addition to your garden, providing continuous color and foliage throughout the year.
For gardeners in cooler zones, where the winter temperatures may drop below what mandevilla can tolerate, there are a couple of options. Firstly, mandevilla can be grown as an annual. This means you can plant it in the ground during the warmer months and enjoy its beauty for that season. However, it will not survive the winter and will need to be replanted the following year.
Alternatively, you can choose to grow mandevilla in a pot or container. This allows you to easily move the plant indoors during the winter months, providing protection from the cold temperatures. When choosing a pot, make sure it is large enough to accommodate the growth of the vine and has good drainage. Place the potted mandevilla in a sunny location indoors and continue to care for it as you would outdoors. Once the danger of frost has passed in spring, you can move the plant back outside.
I have personally grown mandevilla vines in both zone 9 and as a potted plant in a cooler zone. In zone 9, my mandevilla went dormant during the winter, but quickly sprouted new growth once the temperatures warmed up. As a potted plant, I was able to bring it indoors and enjoyed its vibrant flowers and lush foliage year after year.
While mandevilla vines can be planted in the ground in suitable zones, it’s important to consider your specific climate and whether the plant will go dormant or remain evergreen. If you are in a cooler zone, growing mandevilla as an annual or in a pot that can be moved indoors during winter is a great option to enjoy its beauty and tropical vibes.
