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Mandevilla spp.

Rocktrumpets

Apocynaceae Tropical and subtropical America

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Mandevilla spp. is a genus of about 170 woody-stemmed climbers, shrubs, and perennials in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, known as rocktrumpets, native to tropical and subtropical America. Most cultivated species are twining vines that climb 3-20 feet (1-6 m) by wrapping their stems around supports. The glossy, oval leaves are leathery and opposite, and all parts exude a milky sap when cut. The flowers are funnel- or trumpet-shaped, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) wide, in white, pink, red, or yellow with a contrasting throat, opening over a long warm season. The genus is native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America, growing in forest edges and rocky scrub. Mandevilla spp. grows as a tender evergreen in frost-free climates and is grown as a container plant elsewhere, overwintered indoors or treated as an annual. Plants need warmth and bright light and bloom poorly in shade or cool weather. The milky sap can irritate skin and is toxic if eaten, like that of related dogbanes. Spider mites and whitefly affect plants grown under glass.

Native Range

Mandevilla spp. is native to tropical and subtropical America, from Mexico and the Caribbean through Central America to Argentina, with the greatest number of species in Brazil. Plants grow at forest margins, on rocky slopes, and in scrub. Several species and many hybrids are now grown worldwide in warm climates.

Suggested Uses

Grown on trellises, arbors, fences, and obelisks as a flowering climber, and in hanging baskets and containers on patios. In frost-free climates the vining species cover supports and walls. Compact shrubby forms are used in summer bedding and pots.

How to Identify

Identify Mandevilla spp. by the twining woody stems, the opposite, glossy, leathery leaves, and the milky sap that flows from any cut. The large funnel-shaped flowers with five spreading lobes and a contrasting throat confirm the genus. The narrow paired seed pods, joined at the tip, are typical of the dogbane family.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 20'

Width/Spread1' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~20 weeks

Summer Fall

Flowering continues through the warm months, in frost-free climates from spring into autumn and nearly year-round in the tropics. New flowers open in succession at the stem tips over many weeks. Bloom slows or stops in cool weather and shade.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white, pink, red, or yellow

Foliage Description

glossy green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

Reaches flowering size in one season

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Mandevilla spp. species grow in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH near 6.0-7.0. The genus needs warmth, bright light, and steady moisture during growth for continuous bloom and stops flowering below about 60F (16C). Plants climb most readily with a trellis or support and can be pinched to stay bushy. In containers they need regular feeding through summer and reduced water in winter. Hardy outdoors only in USDA zones 10-11, plants are brought indoors or grown as annuals in colder areas. Overwatering in cool conditions causes root rot.

Pruning

Stems are cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth to control size and renew flowering, since blooms form on new shoots. Pinching the tips of young plants produces a fuller, more branched form. Cut stems release milky sap that can irritate skin.