| Need winter care instructions for my patio plant, "Pink Parfait" Mandevilla. I planted it in a patio pot and can move it inside as we have very cold winters. Do I prune the plant? Will it be okay sitting in a cool basement for the winter months, or will it need sunshine and continue to grow during the winter months? It grows on a trellis and is about 8 ft tall at this time. Sorry I lost the care tag off my plant and the garden store has closed for the winter. I sure need some help. Thank you, Elaine Watkins |
| Mandevilla is a tender plant that survives outdoors only in the mildest climates. Since yours is in a container, you need only to bring it indoors when your weather begins to cool down. The best place to keep it indoors is in a sunny window. Mandevilla can be pruned down to about 3' without harm, but wait until it has acclimated to growing indoors before pruning it back. Begin now to help it become adjusted to living indoors by taking it inside during the night and taking it back outdoors during the day. Do this for about a week, leaving it inside for longer and longer periods of time. Wait a few weeks and then prune it down to a more manageable size. Mandevilla can grow to 12' as a vine, but it can be kept at about 3' with constant pinching and pruning. Since you'll be wintering your plant over each year, you'll probably want to keep it small. Under the right conditions of heat and light your Mandevilla will bloom indoors for you. Enjoy! |
