July 23, 2010 | In: Garden Design
The Mandevilla : A Woody, Flowering Vine
Mandevilla is very popular with gardeners in warmer climates. Its dark evergreen foliage and large leaves are accented by a wonderful bounty of huge, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom mostly in summer but are sporadically seen throughout the remainder of the year. There are about 100 species of this tropical vine, and its fast growth ability makes it an ideal option for posts, lattice and screens.
This plant is well suited for container planting, and even makes a great houseplant, if given proper light and feed. The Mandevilla, formerly known as Dipladenia splendens, is even becoming more popular in the North due to its ability to overwinter in a container indoors.
Caring for this plant is simple as it has very few requirements. The sun is best for this plant to flower but it will take in a partly shaded area. A location that offers some midday shade, especially in very hot climates, is beneficial to successful growth. It does require an adequate amount of moisture and well drained soil, but it can survive short periods of drought. Applying a liquid fertilizer to it periodically during the summer will provide you with an abundance of big beautiful blossoms. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular species and hybrids of this beautiful tropical vine.
Mandevilla ‘Alice du Pont’
This species is a woody, climbing evergreen vine that can attain a height of 20 feet, although it will be much smaller when container grown. Its dark green and glossy oval leaves are typically 3 to 8 inches in length. The flared, trumpet-shaped flowers are pure pink and range in size from 2 to 4 inches. They will appear in clusters among the leaves between spring and fall. This variety is perfect for hanging baskets and new growth is easily induced by removing the tips off new stems.
Mandevilla ‘Laxa’
Also known as the Chilean jasmine, this plant is a climbing deciduous vine that averages about 15 feet. The leaves are heart-shaped at the base and grow long and thin to a length between 2 and 6 inches. They are typically dark green in appearance with a gray-green underside. The flowers are white and trumpet-shaped with a size of about 2 inches. They have a powerful gardenia-like aroma and will cluster among the leaves during the summer. This plant requires rich soil but it is hardy and the roots can withstand temperatures to about 5 degrees.
Mandevilla ‘Splendens’
This evergreen vine is similar to the ‘Alice du Pont’ and shares the same blooming period. The leaves of this species are narrow, pointed and between 3 and 8 inches in length. The trumpet-shaped flowers are pale pink when opening with rose pink eyes and measure about 2 to 4 inches across. Gradually the flowers will darken to a deep rose as they age. This plant typically grows to a length of 10 to 15 feet.
Mandevilla sanderi ‘Alba”
This species is a very adaptable small twiner that is best as a container plant and may also be trained for a basket or trellis. Its 2 inch dark, glossy leaves provide a wonderful background for its clusters of blush-white trumpet-shaped blossoms with yellow throats. These 2 to 3 inch flowers will bloom over a long extended season.
Mandevilla sanderi ‘Red Riding Hood’
The Red Riding Hood produces an abundance of glowing red to deep pink 3 inch blossoms all season long. Its small dark green and glossy leaves are a fantastic contrasting background to the vibrant flowers. This species is best suited for container and requires full sun or partial shade for best results. This plant is stunning and is one of the most popular versions.
Mandevilla sanderi ‘Rosea’
Another of the smaller members of this plant, it also functions best as a container plant, especially in rich, well-drained soil that is located in a warm sunny location. The beautiful dark green leaves elegantly frame the 2 to 3 inch light pink trumpet-shaped flowers. This also makes an excellent conservatory plant in cooler climates.
We have at a number of the most popular varieties of this flowering vine and there is surely one that would look perfect in your yard, on your patio or even in your home. These hardy plants with fragrant flowers will offer you constant enjoyment and the true beauty of nature throughout the years. Take a trip to your local gardening center or greenhouse today and purchase one or many to make wonderful additions to your landscape.
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