How to Overwinter a Mandevilla Vine

Mandevilla (Mandevilla splendens) is a popular perennial vine in the southern United States and is usually an annual in the northern, colder areas. It can be grown in more northerly areas provided it is brought indoors for the winter. Mandevilla is a tender, woody vine, according to Floridata.com, and this plant, with its clusters of large, pink, trumpet-shaped flowers, is very common in the South.

• 1

  Wipe off the plant's leaves with a damp rag or wet paper towel before bringing it indoors, as Extension.org recommends.

• 2

  Bring in your Mandevilla once nighttime temperatures start to hover around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the University of Arkansas Extension, bringing them indoors before temperatures drop too much will help them transition more easily to indoor living.

• 3

  Dig up the vine and repot it in a large pot. The pot should be large enough to accommodate its root system. Try to keep as much of the vine as possible. Remove what you must in order to cut it free from a trellis or post, but keep most of the vine intact.

• 4

  Continue to grow the vine or allow it to go semi-dormant for the winter. If you lack an area in your house such as a garage or other cool room, place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water in a bright, sunny location, but out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist. Otherwise, place the Mandevilla someplace bright, but cool--about 50 degrees Fahrenheit--to wait out the winter. Water the plant so it doesn't wilt, but not more than that.

• 5

  Cut back the vine to 12 inches above soil level in February.

• 6

  Bring semi-dormant plants into a warmer area of the house in early spring and begin regular watering. You'll know you've been successful when you see new growth.

• 7

  Plant the Mandevilla outdoors when all danger of frost has passed.