Delightful New Dipladenias The color range keeps expanding for this tropical annual
By Delilah Onofrey, Suntory Flowers
Dipladenia or mandevilla? What’s the difference? Most of these tropical beauties are hybrids, incorporating the best of each – color range, growth habit, flower size, ease of growing.
The true classic mandevilla is a vining climber trained to a trellis. Leaves and flowers are larger. Dipladenias have a bushier habit as a tender shrub. No trellis required, although they can be trained to a hoop or bamboo stakes. They are more versatile in how they can be used as a bedding plant in hanging baskets, containers and beds.
Botanically, dipladenia is now considered a subset of mandevilla – the bush/basket type. Supply has expanded dramatically because it’s such a great summer performer. To get a jump on spring, most are grown in Florida and shipped to retailers in the North. Keep your eye out for the latest lovelies during your shopping trips!
Sun Parasol Original XP Series
Suntory Flowers introduced Sun Parasol Original varieties about 20 years ago. These were the first major line on the market in the dipladenia class with a color range that was red, white and pink. Our breeders in Japan love the challenge of creating something completely new. Color breakthroughs include:
Sunbeam – a beautiful yellow loaded with blooms. It goes with everything! Excellent in combination with other mandevillas and heat-loving annuals.
Bluephoria – This new variety is truly captivating. Pink buds open to mesmerizing shades of bluish purple. Color is influenced by temperature.
Mauvelous – Blooms look airbrushed with a pixilated pattern. Darker throats add contrast.
Double Pink Blush – Light pink blooms have sweet darker pink double-flowered centers – the first double-flowered dipladenia type!
Sun Parasol FiredUp Series
Looking for a thriller to be a focal point in your planters? New Sun Parasol FiredUp varieties are freestanding. No trellis required! Blooms are flatter and pinwheel shaped instead of the classic trumpet flower. Leaves are narrow.
FiredUp Orange – Blooms range from dark to lighter orange, depending on temperature. We like planting Sunbeam at the base. Consider vinca or scaevola, too.
FiredUp Coral – Rich, dark pink coral color with golden yellow centers. Also on the market under the Samba brand from Fernlea Flowers. This variety is more compact than FiredUp Orange.
Care tips
Dipladenias are happiest in full sun with warm temperatures.
Don’t overwater. They prefer to be on the dry side.
In fact, mandevillas and dipladenias are considered the ultimate vacation plant.
They are very forgiving if you forget to water or skip a week or long weekend.
Plant with other heat-lovers, like vinca and scaevola.
Dipladenias need less fertilizer than petunias. They are light feeders vs heavy.
By: Natalie Carmolli for Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrubs
A Freely growing rose garden has plenty of natural charm, but thoughtful plant pairings can make your roses stand out even more. To learn more click here for an informative article.
Click here to sign up for our monthly NEWSLETTER packed with great articles and helpful tips for your home, garden and pets!
