Product Description:
Mandevilla, also known as rocktrumpet, is a genus of flowering vines that grow in tropical and subtropical climates. The five-petal flowers are often showy and fragrant, typically coming in shades of pink, red, and white, occasionally with yellow throats. They generally bloom in summer and can stretch into fall, though in warm climates they can bloom year-round. Some species within the genus have smaller, more plentiful blooms while others have fewer, larger blooms. Their foliage is usually a glossy green. Mandevilla plants can be grown as perennials; gardeners outside of their zones often like to grow them as annuals, especially in container. These fast-growing vines should be planted in mid-to-late spring once the temperature is reliably warm and the risk of frost has passed.
Light:
These vines grow and flower best in full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct light on most days. However, they will tolerate some shade and might even appreciate shelter from the hot afternoon sun at the peak of summer.
Soil:
Mandevilla vines need sandy, well-draining soil with plenty of organic material mixed in. A good potting mix is a combination of peat moss, sand, and leaf mold. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is best, though the plant can also tolerate slightly alkaline soil.
Water:
The mandevilla species can withstand some dryness while continuing to flower. That said, they prefer a consistent level of moisture, so aim to keep the soil damp but not soggy.
Temperature and Humidity:
These plants require warm temperatures and high humidity. Temperatures should be at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and no lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night for mandevilla to be planted outside. If you live in a dry climate, regularly misting your plants will help to keep humidity levels up.
Fertilizer
Fertilize your vine in spring with a slow release balanced fertilizer . Alternatively, you could use a liquid fertilizer at half-strength every two weeks from spring to fall. It also can be helpful to mix some compost into the soil to improve nutrition levels.
Pruning Mandevilla
Puring mandevilla vines at least once a year is recommended in order to maintain a tidy and profusely flowering plant. Winter or early spring is the ideal time to cut back the plant before it starts to produce new growth—mandevilla flowers on new growth, so pruning too late could result in removing potential buds.
Potting and Repotting Mandevilla:
When first potting your mandevilla plant, choose a container that’s only slightly larger than the root ball. A container that’s too big can cause the plant to expend more energy on producing roots than growing flowers, so you might see fewer flowers until it has expanded its root system. Make sure the pot has ample drainage holes to help prevent root rot.
Propagating Mandevilla:
The easiest way to add mandevilla to your landscape is to either buy a plant from a nursery or start one via propagation. Here’s how:
- In the spring, take a 4- to 6-inch cutting below a leaf node (where a leaf meets the stem) from a healthy, established “mother” plant that has bloomed for at least a season.
- Remove the leaves and buds from the lower half of the cutting.
- Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone.
- Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moist potting soil. Make sure to stick the cut end into the soil, and press the soil up firmly around the stem to stabilize it.
- Place the pot in a location that gets ample filtered sunlight and boasts temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees.
- Keep the soil moist and mist the cutting occasionally. Cuttings should take root within a month, at which point you can feed the plant and begin to care for it as normal.
