Spruce up your garden with the exotic flowering plant called Mandevilla, also known as Dipladenia.
This woody climber produces mesmerizing leaves that come in various colors, including pink, white, red, and orange. With its trailing growth habit, Mandevilla flowers can create a breathtaking framework that makes your garden truly stand out in the neighborhood!
However, it might be tricky to grow the plant in colder regions as it is used to tropical conditions of Central and South America. Nonetheless, nothing is impossible and you can still employ some methods to watch your Mandevilla flourish.
Here, we are going to share some!
So, let’s talk more about how to grow Mandevilla, what you should pay attention to, and also how to propagate it properly.
How To Plant Mandevilla
Find a place where your Mandevilla can be exposed to a lot of sunlight. It grows best in well-draining soil or loam-based compost with improved drainage. Place your Mandevilla in a conservatory or a heated greenhouse and provide a trellis or obelisk for support.
When planting, dig a hole that is slightly larger than the Mandevilla’s root ball. Place the plant in a hole and make sure that it is at the same level as in the previous container. Backfill the soil and gently press around the plant’s base to make it nice and firm. Water thoroughly afterward.
If you don’t have enough garden space, you can always grow Mandevilla in pots. Opt for larger pots and fill them with loam-based compost. Add some horticultural grit to improve drainage. Proceed with planting as usual.
To create a permanent framework, pick three to five stems and tie them to support. Prune any vertical stems outgrowing the support.
Available Mandevilla Varieties
When buying any type of Mandevilla species, you have to make sure that they are healthy and strong. Pick one that has no signs of pest infestation or plant diseases. Look for a sturdy variety with firm stems and flowers.
If you want the Mandevilla to bloom and grow quicker, choose already mature and established plants instead of young seedlings.
Here are the best Mandevilla varieties:
• Mandevilla ‘Sundaville Flamingo Pink’ – wonderful pink flowers with white edging. Height x Spread: 1m x 50cm
• Mandevilla ‘Bloom Bells ® Red’ – long-lasting, crimson red flowers. Height x Spread: 1.8m x 50cm
• Diamantina™ Coral Orange Sunrise – tropical flowers in coral and orange colors. Height x Spread: 1.5m x 40cm
• Mandevilla sanderi ‘Bloom Bells® White’ – delicate, white flowers and glossy, dark green leaves. Height x Spread: 1.8m x 50 cm
You might also like this variety: Rio Dipladenia: Features, Facts, And Care Guide
How To Take Care Of Mandevilla
It’s key that your Mandevilla grows in warm and humid conditions. This is why they grow best in heated greenhouses or conservatories.
During spring, ideal daily temperatures are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and don’t drop below 65 degrees at night.
During the winter months, these tropical beauties should be shielded from any temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This is why you should overwinter container plants indoors.
Water frequently and add liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and summer. Don’t water Mandevilla as much during fall and winter as they are not actively growing.
Pruning is required to control the plant’s growth and stimulate healthy growth. If you are only growing one shoot, cut its length by one-third – this will encourage robust growth from the base.
If you are growing the framework, remove any shoots that might be weak or overcrowded. Prune these tropical beauties in late winter or early spring. If you are growing the framework, then you should only trim back side shoots to within three or four buds.
This type of pruning will promote wood and flower development. Winter pruning can weaken the plant, so avoid doing that!
Be on the lookout for pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. Signs of pest infestations often include honeydew residues, yellow leaves, and pests crawling all over the plant. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of these critters!
How To Propagate Mandevilla
There are two propagation methods you can use to propagate Mandevilla: by cutting them or by planting seeds.
Propagation by cuttings:
• Take a 6-inch-long cutting from a healthy stem and remove the bottom leaves
• Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining, moist soil
• Keep the cutting at a temperature between 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a heated propagator.
• Soon, you’ll notice new growth. Pinch it back to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation by seeds:
• About 12 hours before planting, soak the seeds in water.
• Plant the seeds in well-draining and moist soil.
• Put them in a heated propagator at temperatures between 65-73 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Individual seedlings with at least two pairs of leaves should be placed in individual pots.
You might also find interesting: How To Grow Cold Hardy Banana Trees And Get A Tropical Oasis In Cooler Climates