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The climbing beauty from the tropical regions of South America enchants with its funnel-shaped flowers during the summer months. Dipladenia can be overwintered well. However, after the hibernation, it is necessary to cut back the Dipladenia.

In a nutshell

  • Dipladenia is not hardy, hibernates indoors at 5 to 10 °C
  • Dipladenia are very tolerant of pruning
  • different types of cut possible
  • The best time to cut back overwintered plants is in February / March
  • only use sharp tools for cutting back

Why pruning necessary?

Typically, commercially available plants are treated with a stunner, also known as a growth inhibitor, to keep them short and squat. However, this remedy wears off after a successful hibernation. Then a Dipladenia, which is also known as Mandevilla, can quickly reach a height of 300 centimeters. A pruning is then usually carried out to regulate the size. In addition, there are other reasons to cut back the plant:

  • to prevent bare plants
  • to achieve a bushy growth
  • to encourage more flowering
  • to prepare for winter
  • in case of disease and pest infestation

Notice: A Mandevilla can easily be overwintered indoors at temperatures between 5 and 10 °C.

Pruning Instructions

As a rule, Dipladenia are very easy to care for and tolerate pruning well. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when pruning:

  • Prune plant outdoors
  • Milky sap soils carpets, wood and natural stones
  • Place the pot on foil/newspaper
  • no pruning in rain or dry weather
  • otherwise poor wound healing and
  • easy penetration of germs possible
  • Do not squeeze shoots
  • make smooth cuts
  • Don't tear open the interface
  • Always position the scissors 1 to 2 mm above the outward-facing eye
  • use sharp tool
  • wear gloves when cutting
  • Escaping toxic milky juice can cause skin irritation
  • Wash hands thoroughly after cutting

Notice: The Dipladenia belongs to the dogbane family. All parts of the plant are poisonous and contain a white milky sap.

Different types of cuts

In order to get a Dipladenia back in shape and at the same time lay the foundation for healthy development, growth and lush flowering, there are various pruning options:

Care and maintenance cut

This takes place once a year after the hibernation. The best time is early spring, in February/March before the plants sprout again. This pruning keeps the Dipladenia nice and compact and also stimulates the formation of new shoots and flower buds. Dipladenia always form flower buds on this year's shoots. Therefore:

  • all dead shoots at the base completely removed
  • cut back all previous year's and faded shoots
  • Side and main shoots shortened by half
  • Shoots shortened to two pairs of buds or leaves

However, if you want the plant to keep its original size, simply trim the side shoots and keep the main shoots the same size.

topiary

This pruning can be done throughout the year, including during the flowering period. Here tendrils that are too long can be shortened. However, it must be noted that the flowers will appear on this year's shoots. Maybe shoots that are too long should be attached to the climbing aid. In addition, cleaning out the withered flowers is also part of the topiary, even if the creeper is self-cleansing. However, the shedding of the withered flowers takes a little longer and seeds can then form quickly.

taper cut

If the plant has grown too large or has become bare over time, a rejuvenation pruning can rebuild it. However, such a radical pruning will result in flowering later in the year. But this turns out to be all the more lavish in the following season. Please note:

  • Radical pruning before new growth in spring
  • Shorten all shoots by half or a third
  • Leave two leaf or flower buds per shoot
  • Perform taper pruning every few years

Notice: The larger the cut, the more milky juice will flow. Spray water on cuts to stop wound flow. Alternatively, wound covering with a cotton swab or small balls of paper handkerchiefs.

Cut back for winter quarters

Before the Dipladenia moves to winter quarters, you should cut it back again in autumn. If possible, it should not be too lavish, it just has to be based on the available space. Please note:

  • shorten shoots only a few centimeters in dark locations
  • light area Cut back by half or a third

Normally, the plants usually recover very quickly and sprout again. However, you then need:

  • a bright location
  • no cool temperatures
  • regular watering
  • no waterlogging
  • Fertilize after pruning in spring

Notice: Cut shoots, especially head shoots with at least three pairs of leaves and a length of 10 to 15 cm, can be used to propagate cuttings.

Cut diseased shoots

When dipladenia suffer from diseases and pests, it is necessary to remove all affected shoots at the base. Such a cut can occur at any time. Sometimes a radical cut is necessary.

pinch

Pinching, also known as pinching, results in bushier growth in young plants. It should be done several times during budding. Instructions for this as follows:

  • Put on disposable gloves
  • thus better sensitivity
  • Remove shoot tips from all shoots
  • break off these laterally below the first pair of leaves
  • thereby increased formation of side shoots and flower buds

The right tool

The shoots of these plants hardly lignify. They are quite thin and flexible. One-hand scissors with a so-called bypass mechanism are best suited for cutting back the Dipladenia. These have the following advantages:

  • two sharp cutting edges present
  • these are running past each other with the grip squeezed
  • resulting in small cuts
  • smooth cut surfaces

In addition, the blades should be clean and disinfected. It is also necessary to wear gloves.

frequently asked Questions

Why shouldn't Dipladenia be cut back in summer?

Especially in the summer of the main growing season, the parts of the plant increasingly contain the poisonous milky sap. If you cut back, more milky juice would therefore escape from the cut. Due to the heat, the wounds would take much longer to heal by hardening the sap. However, diseased or impeding shoots or shoots should be cut to obtain cuttings.

Should the Mandevilla be repotted after pruning?

This is not absolutely necessary. Only if the pot has already become too small. Root shoots that are too long can then be cut back immediately. Repotting is usually required every three years.

What mistakes can be made when pruning?

Due to a blunt pair of scissors, the shoots are crushed, the interfaces are frayed and pathogens can enter quickly. Furthermore, pruning too late will result in late flowering. If the Dipladenia is only cut back a little, the plant will bare over time. The weather is also important when pruning. In rainy weather the risk of infection with fungi is very high, and in the sun the cuts burn.

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Category:

Garden plants