Growing Mandevilla

Latin Name Pronunciation: man-dah-vil' lah

This showy, flowering tropical plant, native to Central and South America, can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in a warm, sunny room. We like to grow vining cultivars on a trellis in a large container. Compact, bushy forms stand upright, trailing slightly over the edge of a small pot or hanging basket, and add a tropical touch when planted in a garden bed.

Light/Watering: Grow in full sun with some midday shade in hotter locations. Water moderately once or twice each week during the growing season, less frequently in winter.

Fertilizer/Soil: Plant in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer. For containers, use a soil-based potting mix.

Pests and Diseases: No serious disease or insect problems but watch for whiteflies, spider mites and mealybugs, especially when overwintering plants indoors. Contact with the milky sap inside the plant may cause skin irritation.

Reflowering: Plants bloom continuously from spring until frost. No deadheading is required as Mandevilla are self-cleaning, meaning spent flowers will shrivel and naturally fall off.

Companions: Grow with other sun-loving annuals and summer bulbs such as Persian Shield, Sweet Potato Vine, Canna, and Elephant Ears for a tropical look.