Mandevilla in 8″ Pot

A vigorous woody, twining evergreen vine (some modern cultivars are bushier/mounding). Stems exude milky latex that can irritate skin. Leaves are opposite, glossy, oblong-ovate, 6–15 cm (2–6 in), leathery with entire margins and prominent veins; often slightly wrinkled. Growth habit is fast, 3–10 m (10–33 ft) long on supports (2–5 m for most garden plants); can be kept compact in pots. Flowers are large, showy, trumpet/funnel-shaped with 5 overlapping lobes, 5–10 cm (2–4 in) across; colors include white, pink, rose, red, yellow; throats often yellow or deeper pink. Bloom from late spring to frost (year-round in frost-free climates); many are lightly fragrant. Fruit are paired narrow follicles (rare in cultivation); all parts toxic if ingested (apocynaceae).

Common types: M. sanderi (red/pink), M. splendens (large pink), M. boliviensis (white with yellow throat), M. laxa (fragrant white, more cold-tolerant). Popular hybrids/cultivars: ‘Alice du Pont’ (soft pink), Sundaville® series (compact, many colors), ‘Summer Romance’ (double pink).

Quick care: full sun (≥6 hrs) for best flowering; tolerate light afternoon shade in very hot climates. Warm 21–32 °C (70–90 °F) day, nights 18–20 °C (65–68 °F); protect below 10–15 °C (50–60 °F); USDA 10–11 outdoors, otherwise treat as annual or overwinter indoors. Soil rich, sandy-loam, well-drained, pH 6.6–7.8; containers need high-quality potting mix with added grit. Keep evenly moist but not soggy—water when top 2–5 cm dry; reduce in winter. Humidity appreciated; mist or use pebble trays indoors. Feed every 2–4 weeks in spring–summer with balanced fertilizer; switch to high-phosphorus bloom booster in summer. Provide trellis, arbor, or obelisk; tie young shoots to train. Prune in late winter/early spring (remove up to one-third, shorten side shoots to 3–4 buds) to keep shape and promote bloom (flowers on new growth). Watch for aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, spider mites (especially indoors). Propagate by softwood/semi-ripe cuttings