Mandevilla plants are known for their vibrant and showy flowers, making them a popular choice among gardeners and landscaping enthusiasts. The question of whether mandevillas come back every year largely depends on the climate in which they are grown.
In frost-free climates, mandevilla plants are considered perennial. This means that they have the ability to come back year after year, providing beautiful blooms and foliage for many seasons. These regions typically have mild winters, with temperatures that do not dip below freezing. Examples of frost-free climates include tropical and subtropical regions.
However, for those living in colder climates where winter temperatures drop below freezing, mandevilla plants are not cold hardy. In such regions, mandevillas are treated as annuals, meaning they are planted and enjoyed for one season before being replaced the following year. This is because the freezing temperatures can cause significant damage to the plants, leading to their inability to survive the winter.
That being said, there are ways to overwinter mandevilla plants in colder climates. One option is to bring the plants indoors before the first frost hits. Mandevillas can be potted and kept as houseplants during the winter months, providing them with the warmth and protection they need to survive. Placing the plant near a sunny window or providing supplemental grow lights can help ensure proper growth and flowering.
Another method of overwintering mandevillas is to store them dormant in a cool, dark location. Before the first frost, the plants can be pruned back and dug up from the garden. The roots should be gently shaken to remove excess soil, and then the plant can be placed in a container filled with slightly moistened soil or peat moss. The container should be stored in a cool, dark area such as a basement or garage where temperatures remain consistently cool but above freezing.
Throughout the winter, it’s important to periodically check on the stored mandevilla plants to ensure they are not drying out or rotting. Lightly misting the soil or peat moss can help maintain the proper moisture levels. In early spring, as the threat of frost has passed, the plants can be brought back outdoors and replanted in the garden.
Personal experience: I live in a region with cold winters, and I have successfully overwintered mandevilla plants indoors. By bringing them inside before the first frost and providing adequate light and care, I was able to keep them alive and thriving throughout the winter months. It was a joy to see them bloom again in the following spring, and it saved me the hassle and expense of purchasing new plants each year.
To summarize, while mandevilla plants can come back every year in frost-free climates, they are typically treated as annuals in colder regions. However, with proper care and techniques, it is possible to overwinter mandevillas indoors or store them dormant for replanting in the following spring.
