Growing Mandevilla: A Stunning Plant with Year-Round Blooms
If you’re looking for a plant with showy blooms that last most of the year, look no further than the mandeilla.
These heat-loving shrubby vines, native to southeastern Brazil, bloom from April through November, with some varieties flowering continuously. Though they are at their peak now, mandevillas can thrive in warm weather, making this a great time to plant one and allow it to establish quickly.
“The mandevilla is a really versatile plant,” says Gary Matsuoka, president of Laguna Hills Nursery in Lake Forest. “Not only is it a dependable bloomer most or all of the year, it can be used as a background plant, border plant, centerpiece in a container—and one variety even makes a great hanging basket plant.”
The variety most commonly found in nurseries is ‘Alice du Pont’, a plant with reddish-rose flowers and glossy dark green leaves. The leaves are oval-shaped and range from 3 to 8 inches long.
Though this vine can grow 20 to 30 feet in the ground, it stays much smaller when containerized.
Popular Mandevilla Varieties
Some other popular mandevilla varieties include:
- ‘Red Riding Hood’: A lower-growing variety with deep pink blooms, ideal for hanging baskets. It blooms most of the year.
- ‘Scarlet Pimpernel’: Another shrubbier variety with reddish-pink blooms.
- ‘My Fair Lady’: Known for its striking white flowers.
How to Grow Mandevilla
To grow mandevilla successfully, keep these tips in mind:
- Location: Mandevillas are sensitive to cold and frost. Plant them in a warm location with plenty of sunlight. A southern exposure or under a roof eave is ideal. They prefer morning sun with afternoon shade, but they can tolerate full sun.
- Drainage: Mandevillas require excellent drainage, particularly in winter. Test the soil by filling a planting hole with water. If it doesn’t drain in two hours, the location is unsuitable. Amend the soil with compost before planting.
- Container Growing: Mandevillas thrive in containers. Use a mix of 2 parts high-quality potting soil and 1 part sharp sand for good drainage.
- Support: Provide a trellis or stake for the vine to climb.
- Fertilizing: Feed mandevillas monthly with an all-purpose fertilizer to support their new growth, as they bloom on fresh vines.
- Watering: Keep the plant evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water when the topsoil becomes dry.
- Pruning: Mandevillas require little pruning. However, young plants should be pinched to encourage bushiness. Trim them if necessary.
- Pest Control: Though mandevillas are relatively pest-resistant, they may occasionally get aphids, whiteflies, or spider mites. Treat them with fine horticultural oil if needed.
