What is a Mandevilla?

The term Mandevilla refers to a genus of tropical perennial vines classified under Apocynaceae, or the periwinkle family. This genus is synonymous with Dipladenia, with either name being used interchangeably. There are about 120 species growing in their native locations of Central and South America, where many of the species are found in the forests of the Organ Mountains in Brazil. This number also includes those that are under cultivation in North America, China, and Australia. Named after the 19th century British diplomat and gardener Henry Mandeville, these vines can grow more than 20 feet (about 6 m) long, depending on the species.

Their fuzzy and twining stems bear the flowers and leaves. These leaves are glossy, smooth-textured, and evergreen. The flowers are large, mostly trumpet-shaped, and have mild scents that attracts bees, butterflies, and birds in order to pollinate. Blooming in early summer and fall, the flowers in this genus are usually shades of white, pink, or red. The plants are further characterized by thick and fleshy roots and narrow seeds.

Cultivated Mandevilla plants can be grown in either outdoor or indoor locations. When grown outdoors, they are usually placed beside fences, screens, or trellises where they are encouraged to climb. The plants can also be grown as a bush on the ground. If grown indoors, they are usually placed in containers such as hanging baskets. They should be placed in a well-lit location with at least indirect sun exposure since they are tropical plants that need plenty of warmth and sunlight.

The propagation of Mandevilla plants is through cuttings or division of the rootball. These plants prefer neutral to mildly alkaline soil that is moist but well-drained. While they thrive in sunny locations, they can still grow in partial shade. If possible, these plants should be moved indoors in winter as they can only tolerate cold temperatures down to about 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) and may not survive when exposed to frost. In spring, it is advised to prune them to remove crowded or damaged stems.

Examples of popular Mandevilla species and cultivars include M. splendens; M. x amoena, or the Alice du Pont; and M. laxa, or Chilean jasmine. M. splendens is grown for its pale pink flowers that deepen to rose as it ages. The Alice du Pont variety is usually grown in hanging baskets, while the Chilean jasmine adds a gardenia-like scent to the garden. Another Mandevilla specie of interest is the toxic M. scabra, which is an ingredient in making Ayahuasca, a psychedelic drink originally brewed by tribes of the Amazon rain forests.