Mandevilla perennial? (growing, spring, north, city)

[Latina7]

I live near the water in the Northeast, and have bought 3 Mandevillas, which I have kept in my basement, but all have perished once I bring them up, and place them outside usually at the end of April.

Now, there are two Mandevillas growing all winter long, in a sunny location, not far from me. I always thought they were treated as annuals in my zone 6 area, so what is keeping these two alive? Here is a photo of one.








//www.city-data.com/forum/membe...8-img-0323.jpg

[no kudzu]

hey I wouldn't be against knocking on their door to ask for variety or what they are doing or at the very least writing a note with your phone number or e mail asking the same question. l gardeners are the most generous people you will ever meet and we love to share. let us know too.

[Latina7]

Originally Posted by no kudzu

hey I wouldn't be against knocking on their door to ask for variety or what they are doing or at the very least writing a note with your phone number or e mail asking the same question. l gardeners are the most generous people you will ever meet and we love to share. let us know too.

I have never seen anyone gardening on that house. They have a private company cut their loan, and that plant has been on its own for quite a while, but thanks anyway.

[Cattknap]

I overwinter mine near a window in my basement - I water them when they are dry- they continue to slowly grow and vine throughout the winter, sometimes even producing buds. I have learned not to take them outdoors in the spring until all cold weather is over - usually late May where I am. They are perennials in warm weather places like So. California, Hawaii, etc.

[no kudzu]

I tried to overwinter them in Atlanta. Never did work so I just gave up. They grow pretty fast and make a nice show all summer and till frost.

[J&Em]

I've looked around and asked for several years since I'd love to have one, but being in Zone 7 there is no way for one to survive. I've seen plenty grown as an annual and all of the varieties are beautiful . I knew someone who had them for many years living in coastal NC (zone 8) but, despite the fact that they were in a fairly protected and warm place, she lost them in a 'colder than normal' winter. On average being in the upper portions of zone 8, she was already in an area not considered viable for them. They are very tender and generally cannot withstand freezing overnight temps. This past winter was unusually warm on the eastern side of the country and that may be the only reason the plants survived. Too bad you don't want to ask the owners about them. You never know where the next unusual new plant emerges from!

[flamingGalah!]

I have tried to overwinter these Mandevilla outside in my zone 9b climate, but they melt at the first hint of frost. I do however have a slightly hardier Mandevilla that grows successfully in my garden, Mandevilla laxa, though this has white flowers, but they smell gorgeous & much like Gardenia...