Mandevilla is a genus of tropical and subtropical flowering vines belonging to the family Apocynaceae. It was first described as a genus in 1840. A common name is rocktrumpet. Mandevilla species are native to the Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and South America.
Most Mandevilla species are vigorous climbers, using twining stems to ascend supports like trellises, fences, or arbors. Some modern cultivars are bred for a more bushy, compact form suitable for pots or as garden bedding plants. The leaves are typically dark green, glossy, and leathery, providing a lush backdrop to the flowers. They can vary in shape but are generally oval with pointed tips.
Flowers are funnel or trumpet-shaped, which is one of the plant’s most appealing features. Typically, flowers come in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow. There are also varieties with bicolored or striped petals. The flowers can be quite large, often several inches across in some species and cultivars. Some species like Mandevilla laxa are very fragrant, especially in the evening. They bloom profusely in warm weather, generally from spring through fall. In tropical climates, they might flower year-round.
All parts of Mandevilla plants are considered mildly toxic if ingested, potentially causing stomach upset, so they should be kept away from pets and children. Common pests include aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Generally, they are fairly resistant but can suffer from root rot if overwatered or if soil drainage is poor.
Mandevilla sanderi (Brazilian Jasmine)
- Description: This species has glossy leaves and produces trumpet-shaped flowers, typically in shades of pink, red, or white. The flowers are large and showy, making it a popular choice for gardens.
- Origin: Native to Brazil.
Mandevilla splendens
- Description: Known for its large, pink flowers with yellow throats. The plant has a climbing habit with dark green, shiny leaves. It’s more evergreen in nature compared to some other varieties.
- Origin: Also from Brazil.
Mandevilla laxa (Chilean Jasmine)
- Description: This variety produces clusters of highly fragrant, white flowers. Its vine can grow quite long, and it’s somewhat more cold-tolerant than other Mandevillas, though it’s still sensitive to frost.
- Origin: Native to southern Ecuador and northern Argentina.
Mandevilla ‘Alice du Pont’
- Description: A popular cultivar with large, pink flowers and a vigorous climbing habit. It’s known for its very glossy, dark green leaves and can bloom profusely during the warm months.
- Origin: This is a cultivar, so it’s bred for garden use, but its origins trace back to the tropical Americas.
Mandevilla ‘Sun Parasol’ Series
- Description: This series includes various colors like crimson, pink, white, and even yellow. The ‘Sun Parasol’ plants are bred for their bushy growth habit as well as climbing, making them versatile for different garden uses or containers. They have larger flowers and are bred for their disease resistance and continuous blooming.
- Origin: These are modern cultivars developed by Suntory Flowers from original species likely native to Central and South America.
Mandevilla ‘Boliviensis’ (White Dipladenia)
- Description: This type has white flowers with a yellow center. It’s less vigorous in its climbing than some other species but is appreciated for its delicate beauty and continuous bloom.
- Origin: As the name suggests, it originates from Bolivia, though it’s widespread in cultivation.
Mandevilla ‘Red Riding Hood’
- Description: Characterized by its deep red flowers, this variety is compact and more suitable for pots or hanging baskets due to its less aggressive growth habit.
- Origin: Another cultivar, designed for ornamental use with origins tied to the tropical regions of the Americas.
Mandevilla ‘Diamantina’ Series
- Description: This series includes several compact varieties with different flower colors like ruby red, opal citrine (yellow), and others. They are known for their robust flowering and are suitable for both garden beds and containers due to their controlled growth habit.
- Origin: Cultivars developed for ornamental horticulture, with parent species from South America.
Mandevilla ‘Rio’ Series
- Description: The ‘Rio’ series offers plants that are more heat-tolerant and have a bushy, compact form which doesn’t require as much trellising or support as some of the vine types. Colors include deep pink, white, and a soft pink with a darker eye.
- Origin: These are also garden cultivars, but like others, they trace back to tropical South American species.
Mandevilla amabilis ‘Pink Parfait’
- Description: This variety has double pink flowers, which is somewhat unusual for Mandevilla plants. The blooms are quite striking and give a fuller appearance due to the doubled petals.
- Origin: A hybrid or selected cultivar, likely with origins in the tropical parts of the Americas.
Mandevilla ‘Stars and Stripes’
- Description: A cultivar with distinctive red and white striped flowers, adding a patriotic or festive look to gardens. It’s less common and can be a real conversation starter due to its unique flower pattern.
- Origin: A cultivated variety for ornamental use.
Mandevilla ‘Tropical Dream’
- Description: Known for its vibrant yellow flowers, this variety adds a sunny disposition to any setting. The plant tends to have a climbing or trailing habit, making it great for trellises or hanging baskets.
- Origin: Another in the line of cultivars, with likely origins in the tropical regions where wild Mandevilla species grow.