How to Plant and Grow Mandevilla

A classic tropical vine, mandevilla (Mandevilla spp.) is a great way to add a splash of color to any sunny vertical space in your garden. With big, showy blooms that continue all summer and the fact that the plant is low-maintenance makes it a top vine choice. Mandevilla vines have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, and breeding work continues to expand the vine’s varieties.

Mandevillas are all about the big, tropical-looking blooms. They come in shades of pink, red, and white, and many shades in between. Now there's a new color added to the range, a beautiful apricot. The large five-petaled blooms often have a rich golden throat inside that adds to the tropical look. Flowers are borne in clusters that will continue to grow and add more buds all the time. Be careful not to damage these growing points of the bloom clusters, or new buds will not form on that stalk. The size of the blooms can vary quite a bit depending on the variety. In general, smaller flowers tend to be much more abundant, and the larger blooms are a little more sparse but quite grand.

Although mandevilla is not classified as toxic to animals by the ASPCA, it can be mildly toxic when ingested, so keep the plant in a spot away from curious kids or pets. Also, the milky sap it exudes when cut can irritate skin upon contact.

Where to Plant Mandevilla

While mandevilla is usually grown as an annual because it dies when exposed to near-freezing temperatures, it can be overwintered indoors. It is perennial in the frost-free areas of USDA Hardiness Zones 10–11. Mandevilla is an excellent choice for the garden or patio.

How and When to Plant Mandevilla

Plant mandevilla outside in mid to late spring after the temperature consistently exceeds at least 50°F. Vining varieties benefit from a trellis or other support. If you plan to overwinter the plant indoors, plant it in a container with drainage holes and filled with all-purpose potting soil.

Mandevilla Care Tips

As far as care goes for these plants, mandevillas are low maintenance.

Light

Mandevilla needs 6 to 8 hours of full sun for best flower production. In the hottest regions, it benefits from some shade during the afternoon.

Soil and Water

When planting outside, select a site with good drainage and rich soil. Amend the planting area with compost or other organic matter to support the blooms. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not overly wet.

Temperature and Humidity

The preferred temperature range for mandevilla that grows outside is 68–90°F. Anything lower than 50°F is likely to damage the plant. If the plant is overwintering indoors, keep the temperature in the 60–65°F range at night and 70°F or warmer in daytime.

Fertilizer

Like most vigorous plants that bloom for long periods, mandevilla benefits from a good dose of fertilizer every once in a while.

Pruning

When growing mandevilla year round, this plant should be pruned once per year. The best time to do this is in early spring, before it produces new growth. If you prune too late, then you could remove potential buds. If growing the plants as annuals, you can trim them back lightly whenever they get a little too wild for your liking. Plus, this will encourage more branching and blooms.

Potting and Repotting

When potting a mandevilla, use a lightweight, well-draining potting mix. Trim any dead or damaged roots, and position the plant at the same depth as in its previous container. Repot mandevilla every year or two in the spring in a pot only one size larger than the current container.

Pests and Problems

Mandevilla has no major pest problems, but it can attract mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids. The plant is usually ignored by deer and rabbits.

How to Propagate Mandevilla

You can propagate mandevilla from cuttings or seeds. In the spring, take 3-inch cuttings from the plant tip or side shoots and remove all but the top two leaves. Dip in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. When starting from seeds, use fresh seeds. Wait until they dry on the plant, then harvest the seeds, soak them in water overnight, and plant them in well-draining soil.

Types of Mandevilla

Initially, all mandevillas were climbing and vining plants, but now some of them have more of a shrub shape.

'Alice Dupont' Mandevilla

This selection is a classic vining variety grown for its large pink blooms. It can grow as long as 20 feet. Zones 10-11.

'Sun Parasol Crimson' Mandevilla

This variety of Mandevilla bears intense crimson-red blooms on a semi-bushy plant that can reach 15 feet. Zones 10-11.

'Red Riding Hood' Mandevilla

Mandevilla sanderi 'Red Riding Hood' bears rich, deep-pink flowers with yellow throats and glossy green foliage. Climbs to 12 feet. Zones 10-11.

Chilean Jasmine

Mandevilla laxa bears fragrant white flowers in summer and early autumn. It climbs to 15 feet. Zones 10-11.

'Pink Parfait' Mandevilla

Mandevilla x amabilis 'Pink Parfait' bears double pale-pink blooms all summer long. It climbs to 20 feet. Zones 10-11.

Newer Mandevilla Varieties

More recently, horticulturists and plant breeders have reined in mandevillas and shrunk them down. Many of the newer varieties are great options for hanging baskets and even for spilling out of a container. Branching has also been improved, creating bushier plants, and more blooming potential.

With all of the work to shrink these plants down in size, foliage can be quite variable between varieties. Older varieties tend to have much larger leaves that are a little rougher in texture and have more pronounced veins. The smaller, shrubbier types tend to have smaller leaves that are generally smooth and usually fairly glossy. The smaller leaves showcase the blooms more.