Pink mandevilla plants have the potential to come back every year, but this largely depends on the climate in which they are grown. In frost-free regions, such as tropical and subtropical areas, mandevillas are considered perennial plants and will come back year after year without any special care. These regions provide the ideal conditions for mandevillas to thrive, with warm temperatures and no risk of frost damage.
However, in colder climates where temperatures drop below freezing, mandevillas are not winter hardy and cannot survive the harsh conditions. In such areas, mandevillas are typically treated as annuals or can be overwintered indoors to protect them from the cold.
As an avid gardener, I have had personal experiences with mandevilla plants in my own garden. I live in a region with cold winters, so I have to take special care to ensure the survival of my mandevillas. Each year, I treat them as annuals and enjoy their vibrant blooms throughout the summer season. However, I have also experimented with overwintering mandevillas indoors to see if they can be saved for the following year.
To overwinter a mandevilla indoors, I first bring the plant indoors before the first frost. I carefully dig up the plant, making sure to disturb the roots as little as possible, and then I transfer it to a large container with well-draining soil. I trim back any leggy or overgrown growth, leaving behind a compact plant.
Next, I place the potted mandevilla in a bright location, such as a south-facing window or a heated greenhouse. It’s important to provide the plant with sufficient sunlight, as mandevillas are sun-loving plants. I also keep the indoor temperature between 60-70°F (15-21°C), as this mimics their preferred growing conditions.
During the winter months, I water the mandevilla sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s crucial to strike a balance and not keep the soil overly moist. I also avoid fertilizing the plant during this dormant period.
In the spring, as the days start to lengthen and temperatures begin to rise, I gradually increase watering and resume fertilization to encourage new growth. Once all risk of frost has passed, I acclimate the mandevilla back to outdoor conditions by gradually exposing it to longer periods of sunlight and outdoor temperatures.
By following these steps, I have successfully overwintered mandevillas and brought them back to bloom for another year. However, it’s important to note that overwintering mandevillas indoors can be challenging and may not always be successful. Factors such as insufficient sunlight, improper watering, or pest infestations can hinder the plant’s ability to survive indoors.
While pink mandevilla plants have the potential to come back every year in frost-free climates, they require special care in colder regions. By treating them as annuals or overwintering them indoors, it is possible to enjoy their beauty year after year, regardless of your climate.
