Dipladenia rose Mandevilla amabilis

Credit: F. & K. Starr

Pink flower Mandevilla amabilis

Credit: B. Rosadio

Pink trumpet flower Mandevilla amabilis

Credit: HQ Flower guide

Green leaf Mandevilla amabilis

Credit: D. J. Stang

Mandevilla amabilis Dipladenia in the ground

Credit: F. & K. Starr

Mandevilla x amabilis, a plant with pink flowers

Unlike the majority of Mandevilla plants native to South America, Mandevilla x amabilis is an artificial hybrid, created by crossing Mandevilla crassinoda and Mandevilla splendens (Mandevilla splendens). The result is a climbing plant whose colorful blooms brighten up balconies, pergolas and gardens.

How to recognize Mandevilla x amabilis?

Mandevilla x amabilis is a flowering perennial. It reaches a height of two meters and has a climbing habit.

In fact, Mandevilla x amabilis has voluble stems. Flexible, they have a woody base and can cling to any support (pergola, trellis, stake, etc.).

Like mandevilla laxa, it has deciduous foliage. The tough, dark-green, deeply-veined leaves have a slightly embossed appearance.

Flowering begins in spring and continues until the first frosts. The funnel-shaped, five-petaled flowers are pink with a yellow throat and appear at the end of the stems.

Is Mandevilla x amabilis toxic?

Mandevilla x amabilis is toxicif it comes into contact with skin or mucous membranes, or if ingested. The plant contains a white latex that causes irritation and digestive problems.

Remember to wear gloves when pruning and repotting your Mandevilla. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Frequently asked questions about Mandevilla x amabilis

What's the difference between Dipladenia and Mandevilla?

Botanically speaking, there's no difference between Dipladenia and Mandevilla. Both names designate a genus of plants belonging to the Apocynaceae family. Mandevilla, however, is considered the correct term to use.

Where to grow Mandevilla x amabilis?

Mandevilla x amabilis should be planted in a very brightspot toensure abundant flowering. This tropical climber enjoys full sun to part shade, sheltered from cold winds.

Ideally, place your Mandevilla :

On a terrace, balcony or near a well-exposed wall;
In a pot or tub, so it can be brought inside in winter;
In the ground, in a place where the temperature doesn't drop below 10°C.

Does Dipladenia regrow from one year to the next?

Yes, Dipladenia can regrow from one year to the next, provided it is protected from the cold. It's a cold-weather perennial: it can't stand frost.

To store your Dipladenia :

Bring it inside in autumn in a bright spot;
Keep the temperature between 10 and 15°C;
Reduce watering in winter.

Dipladenia is often grown as an annual in cold climates.

Our maintenance tips

Mandevilla amabilis are cold-weather plants. Grow them in pots so you can bring them inside when it's cold.

You can also plant them in the ground and treat them as annuals: in this case, you'll need to renew them every year.

Watering

Water your plant generously during the growing season.

In the wild mandevilla amabilis benefit from high humidity. In pots, water when the surface of the substrate is dry, over a centimetre or so.

Water from the top with room-temperature rainwater. If you don't have any, you can use filtered water. Avoid mains water, which is often too hard.

Your Mandevilla amabilis likes humidity, but hates having its roots immersed in water. After watering, empty any stagnant water from the cup or planter.

Reduce watering during dormancy.

Feed your Mandevilla amabilis only when the substrate has dried thoroughly (at least five centimeters). Water generously with room-temperature rainwater and let the excess run off through the drainage holes.

Drain off any stagnant water in the dish or planter. It will rot the roots.

Spray

Spraying foliage with non-calcareous water (e.g. Mineral water or rainwater) helps to maintain humidity levels.

Repotting

Place a drainage layer (clay balls, gravel) at the bottom of a pierced pot.

Pour in a bed of potting soil for flowering plants or geraniums. You can add perlite or sand to lighten it. If you want your plant to climb, install your stake.

Plant your Mandevilla × amabilis and add substrate. Stop a few centimetres before the edge to form a watering trough.

Water at room temperature to encourage rooting.

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Mandevilla × amabilis, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

Apply a flowering plant or geranium fertilizer to encourage flowering.

Prune

Remove wilted flowers. Cut at the base of the stem with a clean, sharp tool, or remove them by pulling with your hands.

Cut back the stems to three or four nodes so that your Mandevilla × amabilis branches out. This will also encourage flowering.

Caution: the plant is toxic! Wear gloves and rinse your shears after pruning!

Plantation

When the risk of frost has passed, it's time to plant.

Leave your Mandevilla × amabilis root ball to soak.

Dig a hole three times the size of the root ball. If you're planting several specimens, space them 20 to 30 centimetres apart. You can use stakes if you wish to grow your Mandevilla × amabilis as a climbing plant.

Plant your Mandevilla × amabilis. Fill in the hole with garden soil enriched with a little compost and water.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Select a healthy stem at the top. Using clean, sharp pruning shears, remove a section about 15 centimetres long, without flowers and with several nodes.

Remove the leaves at the base. Keep only the top pair.

The plant is toxic. Wear gloves and clean tools after use.

Prepare a pierced pot adapted to the size of your cutting. Fill it with a rich, well-drained substrate. You can use potting soil for seedlings and plantations, for example.

Make a pilot hole with a pencil or pick. Plant your Mandevilla amabilis. Water to encourage rooting.

Cuttings are more likely to succeed when smothered. Place your pot in a mini-greenhouse or translucent plastic bag. You can also use a pre-cut bottle.

Mist the substrate regularly to keep it moist, and aerate your cutting for a few minutes each day to prevent rotting.

Remove the cover when the first leaves appear.

Diseases / Threats

Aphids

Red spiders

Mealybug, accompanied by ants for its honeydew.

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Apocynaceae - Apocynaceae
Type	Mandevilla - Mandevilla
Species	Mandevilla amabilis - Mandevilla × amabilis
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Deciduous
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs
Categories	Shrub Climber Flowery
Tags	Flowery Fritillary Toxic
Origin	South America
Hardiness (USDA)	11a
Leaf color
Flower color