Does a Dipladenia Need Sun or Shade?

Dipladenia, sometimes sold as Mandevilla, is a popular plant known for its striking, trumpet-shaped flowers and lush foliage. It is a favorite for adding a tropical touch to patios and gardens. The plant is often grown in containers and hanging baskets, where its trailing habit can be appreciated, or trained to climb a small trellis.

Dipladenia’s Ideal Light Requirements

To achieve the best display of flowers, providing the correct amount of light is important. Dipladenia is a sun-loving plant that performs best when it receives “full sun,” which is at least six to eight hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. This light exposure fuels the plant to develop a high density of buds and vibrant blooms. A south-facing or west-facing location in the garden is often ideal for providing this intensity and duration of light.

The Role of Shade in Hot Climates

While Dipladenia thrives in bright conditions, some protection is beneficial in extremely hot climates. In regions with intense summer heat and harsh afternoon sun, shielding the plant can prevent leaf scorch and heat stress. Providing shade during the hottest hours helps the plant conserve moisture and maintain its vigor. A practical approach is to place it where it receives plentiful morning sunlight but is shaded from midday onward, such as on the east side of a building.

Signs of Improper Light Exposure

Too Little Sun

A Dipladenia that does not receive enough light will show distinct signs. The growth may become “leggy,” characterized by long, sparse stems with few leaves as the plant stretches toward a light source. Foliage will be less dense, and the overall appearance will be thin rather than bushy. Most notably, flowering will be significantly reduced or may fail to occur altogether.

Too Much Sun

Conversely, a plant receiving an excess of harsh, direct sun can also show symptoms of distress. The leaves may appear scorched with brown, dry patches, or they might turn yellow. This yellowing, known as chlorosis, indicates that chlorophyll is being damaged by the intense light. The plant might also have a wilted look, even when the soil is moist, as the leaves lose water faster than the roots can absorb it.