Mandevilla

Mandevilla is a tropical and twining vine from Central and South America. It grows from 10-15 feet or more. The colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers appear in red, white, yellow and pink. Flowers usually appear in later summer when temperatures have climbed sufficiently. This is a vine that likes it hot. It is also a tender perennial and will not survive frosts. Plants must be brought inside for the winter or treated as an annual.

‘Sunvilla Giant Red’ mandevilla (pictured above) has larger red flowers with a yellow throat.

Mandevilla should be grown in moist, well-drained soil in full to part sun. They can also be grown in pots. For best results, situate them in a warm location, such as a south-facing wall. They are ideal for a trellis or mailbox but need a support to climb. Vines can easily be trimmed.

If you wish to over-winter your mandevilla, cut it back to about 1′ foot in late fall, before the first frost. Bring it inside a garage or basement where it is cool but not below 45 degrees. Water sparingly, about once per month. In mid-spring, when the danger of frost has passed, you can bring it outside again. Water well and begin to apply fertilizer after leaves begin to appear.

Mandevilla was formerly known as Dipladenia.