Rio dipladenias are easy to grow and will bloom all season long. These gorgeous tropical plants can be enjoyed in containers, hanging baskets and garden beds. Here are a few guidelines for growing Rios:
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Light exposure: Blooms best in full sun, a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight per day.
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Planting: Plant at same depth of soil as in the pot - in beds arrange plants 20 to 30 cm (8" to 12") apart.
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Height: Grows 30 to 60cm (12" to 24") in height.
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Watering: Allow soil to dry out in between watering. Can tolerate some drought.
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Temperature tolerance: Can be planted outdoors after frost has passed - protect from frost in the fall, can be overwintered indoors.
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Fertilizer: Every 2 weeks with an all purpose fertilizer.
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Deadheading: No deadheading is required, blooms will fade and fall off. Rio dipladenias will keep pushing out fresh blooms without deadheading.
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Features: Rio blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
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Overwintering tips: Rio dipladenias may not survive in regions where temperatures drop below 7 degrees C or 45 degrees F in winter. Bring your plants indoors in fall to overwinter them. Place your Rios close to a window that receives all-day sunlight. Make sure the temperature remains above 7 degrees C or 45 F. Dipladenias only need watering when the top 5 cm (2 inches) of soil begin to dry. Some foliage may die, but your Rios should produce new foliage in spring. Rio dipladenias come pre-fertilized but plants that have been over-wintered can be fertilized once in May and once in August, with slow-release 18-6-12 fertilizer. Do not fertilize during winter as dipladenias' natural rest period lasts from October to April.