They bloom in the summer and fall, though they can bloom all year in warm regions. Some species have smaller, more abundant blooms within the genus, while others have fewer, more prominent blooms. Their leaves are usually a glossy green color.
Mandevilla plants can be cultivated as perennials within their growing zones, but gardeners outside of those zones prefer to grow them as annuals, especially in container plantings. Once the temperature is reliably warm and the fear of frost has passed, these fast-growing vines should be planted in mid-to-late spring.
Care for Mandevilla
Mandevilla plants are pretty simple to care for as long as the growing circumstances are correct. Because the vines need a lot of sunshine, warmth, and moisture to thrive, make sure to water yours when the soil starts to dry up and feed your plant during the growing season.
Pinch back the stems in early spring to encourage a bushier growth habit on these vines. It's a good idea to supply them with a trellis or other climbing framework if you let them grow organically as vines. Hanging baskets look fantastic with the vines as well.
Light
Full daylight, or at least 6 hours of direct sunlight on most days, is ideal for these vines to grow and flower. They will, however, accept moderate shade and may even appreciate some protection from the strong afternoon heat during the summer. Growing Mandevilla vines in containers have the advantage of allowing you to shift the plant out of direct sunlight as needed to avoid scorching the foliage.
Soil
Mandevilla vines require sandy, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Peat moss, sand, and leaf mold are all good ingredients in a good potting mix. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, but it may also survive somewhat alkaline soil.
Water
The Mandevilla species, unlike many other flowering plants, can endure moderate dryness while still flowering. However, they prefer a steady moisture level, so keep the soil damp but not soggy. Slowly water the plant to let the soil absorb water gradually.
Humidity and Temperature
Warm temperatures and high humidity are required for these plants to thrive. Mandevilla should be planted outside when at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and no lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. If you live in a dry region, spraying your plants frequently will help to maintain humidity levels.
Fertilizer
In the spring, treat your vine using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. You might also apply a half-strength liquid fertilizer every two weeks from spring to fall. To increase nutrient levels, it's also a good idea to incorporate some compost into the soil.
Mandevilla comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Within the Mandevilla genus, there are about 100 species. The following are some of the most popular plants for outdoor cultivation:
- Mandevilla sanderi, often known as Brazilian jasmine, is a fast-growing Mandevilla that can grow up to 15 feet tall. It has huge pink-red blossoms and twining, woody branches.
- Mandevilla boliviensis: This species, sometimes known as white Mandevilla, is famed for its exquisite white blossoms. It can reach a height of 3 to 10 feet and a spread of 3 to 6 feet.
- Mandevilla laxa: Also known as Chilean jasmine, this Mandevilla species grows up to 20 feet tall and produces masses of highly perfumed white blooms.
Mandevilla Pruning
Mandevilla vines should be pruned at least once a year to keep them looking clean and flowering freely. Mandevilla flowers on new growth; therefore, trimming too late could remove potential buds. The best time to prune is in the winter or early spring before the plant develops new development.
Trim no more than one-third of the tree's mass at a time as a general rule of thumb. You can prune any diseased or broken branches, as well as any branches that are giving the plant an unattractive form. To do so, make sure the plant is well-watered, so it doesn't become dehydrated due to your trimming. Using a sharp, clean pair of pruners, cut any vines back to just above a set of leaves.
Mandevilla propagation
Adding Mandevilla to your landscape is as simple as purchasing a plant from a nursery or starting one from seed. Here's how to do it:
- Cut a 4- to 6-inch clipping from a healthy, established "mother" plant that has bloomed for at least a season below a leaf node (where a leaf joins the stem) in the spring.
- Remove the lowest half of the cutting's leaves and buds.
- Soak the cuttings in the rooting hormone for a few minutes.
- Place the cutting in a moist potting soil-filled pot. Please make sure the cut end of the stem is buried in the soil and that the earth is firmly pressed up around the stem to keep it stable.
- Put the pot somewhere with plenty of filtered sunshine and temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees.
- Mist the cutting now and then to keep the soil moist. Within a month, the cuttings should have taken root, and you may feed and care for the plant as usual.
Mandevilla Potting and Repotting
Choose a container that is only slightly larger than the root ball when potting your Mandevilla plant for the first time. A plant in an overly large container may spend more energy building roots than growing blossoms, resulting in fewer flowers until the root system has enlarged. To avoid root rot, make sure the pot has plenty of drainage holes.
When roots start to creep out of the container, it's time to repot. Because Mandevilla is a fast-growing plant, you'll probably need to repot them every year in the spring. Select only one pot size larger while doing so. Remove the root ball from the old container gently, place it in the new container, cover with fresh potting mix and water thoroughly.
Typical Pests
Diseases are rarely a concern for Mandevilla plants. Red spider mites, scales, whiteflies, and aphids, on the other hand, are attracted to them. 1 You may detect small insects on your plants, as well as leaf damage and discoloration. If you have an infestation, keep applying insecticidal soap or horticultural oil (such as neem oil) until the infection is gone.
How to Make Mandevilla Grow
When it comes to getting your Mandevilla plant to bloom profusely every summer, there are a few parameters that must be met. First and foremost, to produce the most buds, your Mandevilla plant wants plenty of light. Plant your Mandevilla in a pot if you don't have a single area in your landscape that gets 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. This way, you may move it about and "chase" the light.
For your Mandevilla to blossom, you'll need to fertilize it properly. During the growing season, feed the plant a phosphorus-rich fertilizer every two to three weeks. If you live in a particularly dry area and water regularly, you may want to fertilize every two weeks because water will wash the fertilizer through the soil more quickly.
