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What is Mandevilla?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Mandevilla is vine and a climbing plant that prospers best outdoors in warm climates. There are a number of different mandevilla varieties that may exhibit stunning trumpet-like flowers in pink, white, or yellow. Henry Mandeville, a British diplomat with a penchant for gardening, was honored with the mandevilla vine being named after him.

Mandeville likely discovered the mandevilla when he was serving diplomatic missions in Argentina. Horticulturalists suggest the vines were first grown in South America, and often suggest Brazil as their mother country.

Woman with a flower
Woman with a flower

In colder climates the mandevilla is often not grown into trained vines, but instead makes an attractive houseplant. Frosts tend to reduce the plant to bare roots, so most gardeners in colder areas may keep the mandevilla outside in pots, during warmer weather, and then bring it indoors to weather the winter months.

When grown in warmer climates, the mandevilla can be impressively tall, reaching heights over 10 feet (3.04m). Some cross-species may produce vines twice as high. The leaves are described as somewhat dimpled and dark green, and are evergreens in warm climates. They can also boast widths of four inches (10.16cm).

The flowers of the mandevilla tend to bloom in waves throughout the summer, and may bloom more throughout the year in tropical climates. Unopened flowers appear thin and pointed. When the blooms open, they have a deep gold center, and the flowers may equal the width of the leaves. A few varieties of mandevilla produce scented flowers.

Mandevilla prospers well in the US in areas like Florida, the Deep South, and in Southern California. If left outside in colder areas, such as Northern California, it tends to die back each year. All is not lost, however. With spring, the plant will usually begin to sprout again.

As a houseplant, mandevilla will stay green throughout the year. Improper lighting may mean failure to produce the lovely blossoms. Thus a mandevilla benefits from direct light. In a properly constructed greenhouse, the plant is likely to produce the most flowers, and thus can be enjoyed by gardeners who live in colder climates. Efforts are also being made to produce a more winter-hardy variant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Mandevilla plant?

Mandevilla is a genus of tropical and subtropical flowering vines belonging to the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. These plants are known for their showy, trumpet-shaped flowers and glossy leaves, making them popular ornamentals. They thrive in warm climates and are often grown on trellises, fences, and in hanging baskets for their cascading effect.

How do you care for a Mandevilla plant?

Caring for a Mandevilla involves providing it with plenty of sunlight, regular watering while letting the soil dry out between waterings, and protection from cold temperatures. It's best to use a well-draining potting mix and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Pruning can encourage bushier growth and more blooms.

Can Mandevilla plants survive winter?

Mandevilla plants are not frost-tolerant and will not survive outdoors in cold winter climates. However, they can be overwintered indoors in a bright, cool spot. Reduce watering and refrain from fertilizing during this period. With proper care, they can be brought back outside once the danger of frost has passed in spring.

Are Mandevilla plants toxic to pets?

Yes, Mandevilla plants are considered toxic to pets. According to the ASPCA, they contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, if ingested by animals. It's important to keep these plants out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

How often does a Mandevilla bloom?

Mandevilla plants can bloom continuously from spring through fall in the right conditions. They produce an abundance of flowers when they receive adequate sunlight, warmth, and proper fertilization. Regular deadheading of spent blooms can also encourage further flowering.

What are the different varieties of Mandevilla?

There are several varieties of Mandevilla, each with unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include Mandevilla 'Alice du Pont' with its pink flowers, Mandevilla sanderi with bright red blooms, and the white-flowered Mandevilla boliviensis. There are also hybrids with varied colors, such as yellows, apricots, and deep reds, offering a wide range of options for gardeners.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent AllThingsNature contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent AllThingsNature contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon87294

can cuttings be taken from the Mandevilla plants?

anon35576

I have a mandevilla plant that was gorgeous last year. I brought it inside for the winter in Wisconsin. It looks incredibly healthy--- as far as leaves, but has absolutely no blooms or buds. I have it outside in the sun now, but I'm wondering if it will come back and bloom again? Is there anything I can do to nurse it into blooming?

cjhmarch47

I have three mandevillas. Two were purchased a month ago--one red and one is white. Then I purchased a pink one. The leaves on the pink one are shaped differently. I thought mandevilla liked full sun and that is what I did with mine. The red and white are looking "puny" compared with the pink one with the larger leaves.

Today I saw some in the store (red) and noticed it said "part sun." Are there different kinds of mandevillas that have different sun requirements?

nsearnest

I live in central PA. I have had my Mandvilla for three seasons. I brought it in 2 years ago and put it in my family room by a sliding glass door. It went dormant. About Christmas time I noticed some buds coming out. I applied a little fertilizer and started watering. Even the purple petunias came back from the base. It was gorgeous.

Last year I cut it down, brought it in, put it in my laundry room, it is cooler there. I cut off all dead wood and started watering it. It is really growing and making a lot of new stems. The purple petunias are also coming back. I water it daily in the summer and add a little 5-10-5 now and then. Sandy

anon21412

I have the mandevilla vine indoors now. it is blooming. I keep the door shut because I am not certain if the leaves are non toxic to cats. Does anyone know the answer?

jcomfort

when wintering a mandevilla plant - should it be cut back from outdoor summer growth?

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    • Woman with a flower
      Woman with a flower