| Please - what are the requirements for the Osteospermum-passion plant and Diplodenia? Thanks so much. I think this question section of your web page is simply wonderful. Please keep it up. |
| Osteospermum "Passion MIx" is a lovely variety that blooms earlier from seed than most. It should still be started very early in the season however, preferably indoors, in order to gain some maturity before being transplanted to the garden. It grows well in full sun with a well drained soil and also makes a good container plant for a deck or patio. Dipladenia is a tropical plant requiring full sun and a rich, moist soil during the growing season -- it does best when set outside for the summer. There are two varieties of Dipladenia. D sanderi rosea is grown for its yellow-throated pink flowers and D. Mandevilla splendens is larger-leaved with pink-throated flowers. The large flowers appear in the summer, on twining stems. Both can be grown as a climber, reaching 10' or more, or can be pruned back once flowering is finished, in order to maintain it as a bush. The glossy leaves remain all year long under the right circumstances, but may drop when the plant is brought in for the winter. In the winter, provide average household warmth (minimum 55F in winter), and bright light. Water regularly from spring through autumn, then reduce watering and water only sparingly during the winter months. Mist the plant regularly during the growing season, especially when in bud or flower, and mist occasionally during the winter. Repot in the spring, using fresh potting soil. |
