Learn how to grow mandevilla to add a splash of color to any sunny space in your garden.
A classic tropical vine, mandevilla(Mandevillaspp.)
is a great way to add a splash of color to any sunny space in your garden.
Credit:Bill Stites
Bill Stites
Mandevillas are all about the big,tropical-looking blooms.
They come in shades of pink, red, and white, and many shades in between.
Now there’s a new color added to the range, a beautiful apricot.
Credit:Bob Stefko
The large five-petaled blooms often have a rich golden throat that adds to the tropical look.
Flower buds continue to develop on the plant all through the growing season.
Be careful not to damage these growing points, or new buds will not form on that stalk.
Credit: Bob Stefko
The size of the blooms can vary quite a bit depending on the variety.
It is perennial in thefrost-free areas of USDA Hardiness Zones 1011.
Mandevilla is an excellent choice for planting in garden beds or in a large pot on your patio.
Credit: Edward Gohlich
Grow vining types where their vertical growth can receive some support, such as on a fence or trellis.
Also, the milky sap it exudes when cut can irritate skin upon contact.
Vining varietiesbenefit from a trellis or other support.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Here’s how to keep your plant thriving all season long.
Light
Mandevilla needs6 to 8 hours of full sunfor best flower production.
In the hottest regions, it benefits from some shade during the afternoon.
Credit: Celia Pearson
Soil and Water
When planting outside,select a site with good drainageand rich soil.
Amend the planting area with compost or other organic matter to support the blooms.
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not overly wet.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Temperature and Humidity
The preferred temperature range for mandevilla that grows outside is 6890F.
Anything lower than 50F is likely to damage the plant.
Or you might use a slow-releasegranular fertilizermixed into the potting soil at the time of planting.
Pruning
When growing mandevilla year round, thisplant should be pruned once per year.
The best time to do this is in early spring, before it produces new growth.
If you prune too late, then you could remove potential buds.
Plus, this will encourage more branching and blooms.
Potting and Repotting
When potting a mandevilla, use a lightweight, well-draining potting mix.
Use an insecticidal soap orneem oilto get rid of these pests.
Exposure to cool temperatures can cause the leaves to fall off.
As long at the temperatures were above freezing, the plant should recover after returning it to warmer conditions.
How to Propagate Mandevilla
You canpropagate mandevilla from cuttingsor seeds.
Dip inrooting hormoneand plant in a well-draining potting mix.
When starting from seeds, use fresh seeds.
‘Alice Dupont’ Mandevilla
This selection is a classic vining variety grown for its large pink blooms.
It can grow as long as 20 feet.
Climbs to 12 feet.
Chilean Jasmine
Mandevilla laxabears fragrant white flowers in summer and early autumn.
It climbs to 15 feet.
‘Pink Parfait’ Mandevilla
Mandevillaxamabilis’Pink Parfait' bears double pale-pink blooms all summer long.
It climbs to 20 feet.
Many of the newer varieties aregreat options for hanging basketsand even for spilling out of a container.
Branching has also been improved, creating bushier plants, and more blooming potential.
The smaller, shrubbier types tend to have smaller leaves that are generally smooth and usually fairly glossy.
The smaller leaves showcase the blooms more.
Also check that to water extra on hotter days.
