A: Known for its showy flowers, the genus Mandevilla includes plants that were formerly called Dipladenia. This plant grows well on a trellis and is sometimes referred to as Allamanda. There are about 100 species of this tropical American woody vine and most species survive the winter only in the tropical South because its hardiness zone is 10-11. Mandevilla will show signs of freeze damage when temperatures drop below 45 degrees. Because of it being sensitive to cooler temperatures, it is often classified in our area as an annual if planted outside. Remember, in Nassau County we are either 9a, which is on the east coast or 8b, which is on the west side of the county. Mandevilla requires full sun and well drained soils, which means too much water, can create root problems. If you love this plant, you may consider placing it in a hanging basket so it can easily be transported indoors when the temperatures drop too low. The cultivar “Red Riding Hood” produces red flowers, “Summer Snow” flowers are white, “Pink Allamanda” flowers pink, and the cultivar “Yellow” has yellow flowers. If you keep it indoors it has a tendency to get mealy bugs and scale, so be watchful. Keep insecticidal soap and horticulture oil on hand to help control those troublesome pests.

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