How to Plant Mandevilla Plants

Mandevilla plants are woody vines with large, shiny dark green leaves. They are native to tropical areas of South America. Mandevilla plants are prized for their showy, trumpet-shaped flowers, which can grow up to 4 inches across; they range in color from light pink to bright pink or dark red. There are more than 100 species of Mandevilla, and this quick-growing vine is easy to plant and care for, if you follow a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Mandevilla plant
• Soil
• Planter or sunny garden spot
• Stake, trellis or frame
• Fertilizer

Instructions

Instructions

1. Choose an appropriate place to plant the Mandevilla plants. Mandevilla plants can be grown as an annual or to be brought indoors in winter in areas that have winter temperatures below 45 to 50 degrees; it is a perennial in tropical climates or zones 9 through 11. Mandevilla will grow well in a pot or in the ground. Choose an area with partial shade for very hot areas or with full sun for milder climates.

2. Prepare the soil. Mandevilla plants prefer rich, well-drained soil. Combine equal quantities of sand, peat moss and potting mix in a planter or add sand and hummus to garden soil to plant Mandevilla plants in the ground.

3. Plant the Mandevilla plants outside after all danger of frost is past. Provide a trellis, stakes, post or frame to support this fast-growing vine; Mandevilla can grow to be 10 feet high. It will flower prolifically in the early spring and early fall. Alternatively, plant Mandevilla in a hanging basket. Water thoroughly.

4. Use a fertilizer high in phosphorous, such as a 10-20-10 mix, to fertilize the Mandevilla plants every two weeks. Allow the soil to dry out between watering. Mandevilla plants are tolerant to short droughts. Pinch off the stem tips to encourage bushier growth and a better-shaped plant. Watch for insect infestation, especially aphids, whitefly, mealy bugs and spider mites.

5. Bring Mandevilla plants indoors before the first frost in the fall. Prune the plant to a manageable size, and transplant it into a pot if it is growing in the ground. Place it in indirect light, such as by a curtained window and water infrequently. Prune the old stems and replant Mandevilla plants outside in the spring.

References

• Clemson University
• Floridata
• Natural Resources and Environmental Science