Mandevilla
A summer balcony star that doesn't take frost: either bring it in bright and dry for winter or replace it each spring.
Care
Full sun to bright light; in hot, dry summers some afternoon shade helps.
Medium — let the top of the compost dry between waterings; the tuberous roots rot if kept wet.
Free-draining compost with grit or perlite.
Flowers on new growth: cut back by up to half in late winter. Pinch tips of young plants for bushiness. Milky sap irritates skin.
A high-potash feed every two weeks from late spring to late summer.
Softwood cuttings in late spring or summer with bottom heat.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- FebruaryCut back overwintered plants by up to half. how ›
- MayGive climbing types a trellis or obelisk to twine around. how ›
- JuneMove outdoors to a sunny spot once nights are above 10°C. how ›
- OctoberBring indoors before the cold; keep bright and on the dry side. how ›
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- FebruaryCut back overwintered plants by up to half. how ›
- MayGive climbing types a trellis or obelisk to twine around. how ›
- MayMove outdoors to a sunny spot once nights are above 10°C. how ›
- OctoberBring indoors before the cold; keep bright and on the dry side. how ›
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- JanuaryCut back overwintered plants by up to half. how ›
- AprilGive climbing types a trellis or obelisk to twine around. how ›
- MayMove outdoors to a sunny spot once nights are above 10°C. how ›
- NovemberBring indoors before the cold; keep bright and on the dry side. how ›
Months based on climate: Central Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- JanuaryCut back overwintered plants by up to half. how ›
- AprilGive climbing types a trellis or obelisk to twine around. how ›
- AprilMove outdoors to a sunny spot once nights are above 10°C. how ›
- NovemberBring indoors before the cold; keep bright and on the dry side. how ›
Months based on climate: Southern Italy and islands. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. Pale speckling and webbing, especially indoors in winter.
What to do. Mist and wipe the leaves; raise humidity.
How to spot it. Leaves yellow and drop.
What to do. Overwatering or cold.
How to spot it. Mostly leaves.
What to do. Needs more sun and potash.
Questions
Mandevilla: is it hardy?
H1c: Tender, needs above 5°C. It survives above 5 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes — the classic balcony climber; in cool climates overwintered indoors or treated as an annual.
Mandevilla: when do you prune it?
Flowers on new growth: cut back by up to half in late winter. In the calendar for UK, pruning falls in February.
Mandevilla: when does it flower?
In the climate of UK it flowers in June–October.
When do you feed it?
A high-potash feed every two weeks from late spring to late summer. Feeding months, UK: May–September.