DATE:   10/30/97
WRITER: Bob Polomski, (864) 656-2604

Overwintering Mandevilla

     Q: The mandevilla growing on my mailbox has bloomed all
summer. I heard that if I leave it outside, it'll be killed
during the winter. How can I save this plant to enjoy it indoors?
     A: As a native to the tropical parts of South America,
mandevilla should not be exposed to freezing temperatures in
zones colder than zone 9. 
     Right now, the best approach is to prune back the plant to a
manageable height of about two feet, and then lift it out of the
ground with as much of the intact root system as possible. Shake
off some of the soil and pot it up. Any houseplant potting soil
may be used, as long as it allows good drainage and is heavy
enough to support the plant. 
     Quarantine the plant for several days before moving it
indoors. If you see any insects that may have hitched a free ride
inside, take action and control them immediately to prevent them
from attacking other plants. When you're confident that your
mandevilla is pest-free, move it to a window that receives
bright, direct sunlight.
     Water the mandevilla often enough to keep the soil from
drying out. In the fall and winter, locate the mandevilla in a 
cool room with a night temperature of 60 to 65 degrees 
Fahrenheit, although temperatures as low as 45 to 50 degrees can
be tolerated.  
     Water sparingly and cease fertilizing altogether. In late
winter or early spring before growth begins, prune out old,
crowded stems and shorten others. Flowers are produced on the
current season's growth.
     Next year, a few weeks after the last freeze in your area,
bring your mandevilla outdoors. Before planting it in its
permanent location, acclimatize the vine to the outdoors. First,
set it in a shaded location for about a week, then move it to a
partially shaded location the following week. Finally, plant it
in its permanent location in full sun.
                              END