Felder Rushing
Family
Apocynaceae
Botanical Name
MANDEVILLA
Plant Common Name
Mandevilla
General Description
The genus Mandevilla is made up of twining woody vines, and a few herbaceous tender perennials, with large showy flowers. There are around 120 species of this tropical favorite and most are native to Central and South America.
Generally, Mandevilla are evergreen with glossy green leaves, held opposite of each other on stems, which emit milky sap when broken. The fabulous often fragrant flowers are tubular and bell or funnel-shaped with five broad spreading petal lobes. The blooms may occur singly or in clusters and be red, pink or white with white and yellow throats. They bloom when weather is warm and accommodating.
Many cultivars are available. Popular selections include Mandevilla x amabilis ‘Alice du Pont’, which produces an abundance of large, glowing, pink blooms all season. The heavy-blooming, white-flowered Mandevilla boliviensis has shiny leaves, and Mandevilla sanderiana, which originated from the hills above of Rio de Janeiro, offers long-lasting fragrant pink and white flowers.
Culture and hardiness are species dependent; however they usually prefer full sun to partial sun and moist, well-drained soil. They like it warm and are frost sensitive. Where not hardy, they are best grown in containers and can be moved indoors to a bright warm spot to overwinter. Mandevillas climb by twining around structures and may need support, so plant near pergolas, trellises, or fences. They are magnets for mealybugs and aphids, so check often for infestations, particularly when grown indoors.
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Flower Color
White, Yellow, Red, Pink, Fuchsia
-
Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
-
Fruit Color
Green, Tan, Brown
-
Repeat Bloomer
Yes
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Evergreen
Yes
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical, Vine
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
No
