How to Make Mandevilla Bloom
Perennial mandevilla vines are native to South and Central America. Plants are often grown as an annual in colder climates, but with proper winter care, the plant can survive in any climate. Mandevilla vines grow 6 to 10 feet tall with trumpet-shaped red, pink, yellow or white flowers depending on the variety. Plants will produce flowers during summer and into fall with the proper soil conditions and care.
Select a location for placing or planting the mandevilla where it will have at least six hours of sunlight. Plants require enough sunlight to encourage blooming.
Plant the mandevilla plants in a garden or in a container. Plant mandevilla plants in equal parts of garden soil, humus and coarse sand so the soil has good drainage. Proper soil is vital to blooming. If using a container, it must have drainage holes in the bottom for excess water runoff.
- Perennial mandevilla vines are native to South and Central America.
- Plants will produce flowers during summer and into fall with the proper soil conditions and care.
Water the mandevilla two to three times a week to keep the soil moist during the growing season. During winter, reduce watering to once a week or so the soil dries slightly between waterings. Mandevillas become stressed when starved for moisture and blooming can be reduced.
Fertilize mandevilla vines with a high phosphate fertilizer such as 5-10-5 NPK water soluble fertilizer every three to four weeks in spring and summer to encourage blooming. Stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
Pinch back new flower buds when the buds are just emerging to promote a bushier plant. When bringing the plant indoors before the temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, use a pruning shears to remove at least the top 3 feet of the plant. Before moving the plant outdoors in spring, prune another 2 feet from the vine to make room for new growth and flowering.
- Water the mandevilla two to three times a week to keep the soil moist during the growing season.
- Before moving the plant outdoors in spring, prune another 2 feet from the vine to make room for new growth and flowering.
Care Of The Mandevilla
Plant mandevilla where the plant will get at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day. Mandevilla grows in nearly any well-drained soil. Locate your mandevilla near a supportive structure such as a sturdy fence, trellis or arbor. Continue to pinch the tips as needed, using your fingernails or garden pruners, to promote bushiness and keep the plant balanced and neat. Mix the fertilizer according to specifications provided on the label. Prune mandevilla in late winter or early spring.
Related Articles
References
- Arkansas Home and Garden: Mandevilla
- Clemson Cooperative Extension; Mandevilla; Marjan Kluepfel and Bob Polomski; June 1999
- Mississippi State University; Southern Gardening--Nonstop Blooms Make Mandevilla Unbeatable; Norman Winter; June 2005
- Clemson Cooperative Extension: Mandevilla
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Mandevilla
- New Mexico State University Extension: Mandevilla Vine
- University of Illinois Extension: Winter Care for Tropical Bloomers
- Mississippi State University Extension: Nonstop Blooms Make Mandevilla Unbeatable
- Missouri State University Extension: Selecting Landscape Plants: Ornamental Vines
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