Mandevilla Vine or Dipladenia & Its Spectacular Trumpet Shaped Flowers

Mandevilla (Dipladenia) produces spectacular flowers of white, pink, red or yellow all summer, and presents a wonderful show whether on a trellis or in a hanging basket.

This genus of the family Apocynaceae comprises about 100 species of flowering, woody vines. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America. Commonly, the Mandevilla (previously known as genus Dipladenia) is referred to as Brazilian Jasmine although it grows in many regions. This is a wonderful addition to the garden as a special feature and many are quite aromatic.

Mandevilla Species

Alice du Pont – glossy dark green leaves are three to eight inches long. Trumpet-shaped two to four-inch true pink flowers produced in clusters spring to fall.

Laxa – (sometimes named Chilean Jasmine, but native to Argentina) has long, thin green leaves with grey-green undersides. Clustered white flowers have strong gardenia-like fragrance throughout the full blooming season.

Splendens – has long, narrow, pointed leaves. Pale pink flowers deepen to rose color with age.

Sun Parasol Mandevilla -The new Mandevilla line, Sun Parasol, is somewhat more compact and blooms continuously from spring until fall. It has nine varieties which include Crimson and Giant Crimson, Dark Red, Pink, Cream Pink, Giant Pink. There are also Giant White, Pretty Crimson, and Pretty Pink.

Individual flowers measure up to four or six inches (10 to 15 cm) in diameter. This vigorous vine will grow to various lengths from 10 ft. (3 m) when planted into the ground. Those growing in containers could reach about 8 ft. (2.8 m).

Sun Parasol Mini-Crimson has much smaller flowers and leaves than the originals.

Mandevilla Planting and Growing

The Mandevilla can be planted in the ground, with a trellis, in regions where frost is not a concern. As it can not tolerate temperatures below 65 F, it should be planted in a container such as a pot, tub or hanging basket in other areas. The plant will thrive in rich sandy soil with humus added, and direct sunlight with some filtering during the afternoon.

Regular watering is required, but Mandevilla should not sit in water. If leaves turn yellow, the roots are too wet. Regular monthly fertilizing with 15-30-15 is necessary during the blooming season.

Winter Protection for Tropical Vine

Mandevilla, which will not survive in cold temperatures, must be moved indoors in the fall. Prior to the move, trim the plant to about 12 in. (30 cm) and remove faded or dead leaves. Thoroughly examine the plant for insects and their eggs and spray the entire plant with insecticidal soap.

Place the Mandevilla in good light and keep it moist but not wet. Pinch back new growth periodically to produce a bushier plant. During the period of fewer daylight hours, Mandevilla will not bloom. Some growers prefer to set the container in a basement or outer room where the plant remains dormant.

Springtime Preparation of Potted Mandevilla

In spring, refresh the soil or repot the plant if necessary. Cut off crowded old stems and shorten others. It will bloom from new shoots which will develop at the plant’s base. Apply water-soluble fertilizer, and place outside when the temperature is regularly at least 65 F. For protection of surface soil, apply a layer of mulch. Gradually acclimatize it to the sunlight.

Propagation can be successful with cuttings of single node hardwood sprinkled with rooting hormone. It should be noted that some people treat Mandevilla as an annual. Also, there is concern about the poisonous effect of ingesting parts of the plant. It would be best to have it out of children’s reach.