Dipladenia Red

Dipladenia Rio Deep Red plants have a compact, well-branched habit with minimum vineing so there is no need to stake or trellis them. The 3-inch, trumpet-shaped flowers are produced all summer. Rios can be used in patio containers and combination plantings and as specimen plants. Rios were bred for controlled growth and improved branching so they generally don’t need to be pinched or treated with growth regulators. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds.

Spray the tops and bottoms of the leaves with insecticidal soap if you detect signs of scales, mealy bugs, spider mites and white flies, indicated by damaged leaves, white flecks, yellow spots or leaf drop. Repeat regularly, as insecticidal soap kills only on contact. Avoid pesticides whenever possible, as the chemicals kill beneficial insects that feed on the harmful pests. Prune annually before new growth appears in late winter or early spring. Remove damaged or dead growth and any old, twisted or crowded stems. Trim the vine as needed to restore a neat appearance.

Install a trellis or arbor for the vine to climb on, or plant the vine against a wall, fence, mailbox or other support. To train the plant to twine around the support, tie the vines loosely to the support with garden twine. Water at the base of the plant deeply enough to saturate the root zone whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry. Allow the top of the soil to dry before watering again to prevent rot and fungal disease. Feed every two to three weeks, using a high-phosphorus fertilizer with a ratio such as 10-20-10. Apply the fertilizer according to the specifications on the label.