Can You Plant Mandevilla in the Ground? Tips and Care Guide for Successful Planting

Can You Plant Mandevilla in the Ground?

Yes, you can plant Mandevilla in the ground if the minimum temperature does not fall below 30-35 degrees.

It grows best in USDA zones 10-11 and may die back in winter but will come back in spring.

Pros of planting Mandevilla in the ground include not needing to move the plant around, requiring less supplemental water, and being easier to grow up a trellis.

However, there are cons to planting Mandevilla in the ground, such as its inability to tolerate freezing temperatures and inability to be moved to different locations.

It is recommended to use Mandevilla transplants instead of seeds for best results.

Key Points:

  • Mandevilla can be planted in the ground in locations where the temperature does not fall below 30-35 degrees.
  • It thrives in USDA zones 10-11 and may die back in winter, but will regrow in spring.
  • Pros of planting Mandevilla in the ground include not needing to move the plant and requiring less water.
  • It is easier to grow on a trellis when planted in the ground.
  • However, it cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and cannot be easily relocated.
  • Using Mandevilla transplants instead of seeds is recommended for optimal results.

Did You Know?

1. Did you know that Mandevilla, also known as the “Dipladenia,” is not actually a true vine? It belongs to the family Apocynaceae, making it a tropical shrub with vine-like qualities.

2. Mandevilla plants are native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. These beautiful and vibrant flowering plants were first discovered in Brazil during the early 19th century.

3. While many people consider Mandevilla a delicate and high-maintenance plant, certain varieties, such as ‘Alice du Pont,’ are actually quite hardy and can survive in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, even tolerating light frost.

4. The name “Mandevilla” was given to this plant genus in honor of Henry Joseph Mandeville, who was a British diplomat and plant enthusiast. However, there is a common misconception that the name originated from a misspelling of the word “Mandeville.”

5. One lesser-known fact about Mandevilla is that all parts of the plant contain toxic compounds, specifically glycosides. While this toxicity is generally mild, it is important to keep pets and children away from the plant and avoid ingestion.

Can You Plant Mandevilla In The Ground?

Mandevilla, known for its fast-growing nature and impressive, showy flowers, is a tropical vine that can greatly enhance the beauty of any garden. Although it is commonly cultivated as a hanging basket or trained on a trellis indoors, many gardeners question its feasibility for ground planting. The good news is that planting Mandevilla in the ground is indeed possible, but it is crucial to take certain factors into consideration.

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Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • Mandevilla can be successfully planted in the ground, as long as the minimum temperature remains above 30-35 degrees.
  • It thrives best in USDA zones 10-11, but may experience dieback during winter. Fortunately, it reliably rebounds during the spring.

Mandevilla can undeniably be a valuable addition to a garden when planted in the ground, given the appropriate temperature conditions and suitable USDA zones.

Pros And Cons Of Planting Mandevilla In The Ground

Planting Mandevilla in the ground has its advantages and disadvantages.

One of the main pros is that once planted, the plant does not need to be moved around like a hanging basket. It can establish a stronger root system and spread out more freely, resulting in a healthier plant. Additionally, planting Mandevilla in the ground requires less supplemental watering than container plants. Another benefit is that it is easier to train the vine to grow up a trellis or fence when planted in the ground.

However, there are also cons to consider when planting Mandevilla in the ground. One major drawback is that it cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. So if you live in an area with cold winters, you’ll need to dig up the plant and bring it indoors or provide winter protection to ensure its survival. Another downside is that once planted in the ground, the Mandevilla cannot be easily moved to different locations if you decide to change your garden layout.

How To Plant Mandevilla In The Ground

To plant Mandevilla in the ground, follow these steps for successful establishment:

  1. Prepare the planting area: Remove any competing vegetation and weeds to give the Mandevilla the best chance to thrive.
  2. Improve soil quality: Add compost and fertilizer to enhance the soil’s nutrients.
  3. Dig a hole: Create a hole that is slightly wider and at the same depth as the root ball.
  4. Plant the Mandevilla: Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is slightly higher than the surrounding soil.
  5. Backfill and tamp: Fill in the hole with soil, gently tamping it down to remove any air pockets.
  6. Water thoroughly: After planting, water the Mandevilla plant thoroughly.

  7. Different ways to plant Mandevilla in the ground:

  8. Use trellises, fences, or walls as support for the vine to grow vertically.
  9. Let the Mandevilla grow as ground cover or allow it to trail along the ground.
  10. The vine form of the plant stays lower to the ground and can be a beautiful addition to the front of flower beds or borders.

Note: Mandevilla is a versatile plant that can be grown in various ways, providing flexibility in garden design.

Care Tips For Growing Mandevilla In The Ground

To ensure the healthy growth of Mandevilla in the ground, it’s important to provide optimal care. The plant thrives with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, so choose a sunny spot in your garden for planting. In hot climates, it’s best to plant Mandevilla where it will receive afternoon shade to protect it from intense sunlight.

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Mandevilla prefers slightly acidic or neutral, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is also important to water the plant regularly, especially during its first year after planting. For the first two weeks, water the Mandevilla daily and then switch to watering with one inch of water per week for the remainder of the year. After the first year, the plant can tolerate some drought but ideally should receive at least one inch of water per week. In fall and winter, water every two weeks.

High humidity is essential for the health of Mandevilla. If you live in a dry climate, it may be necessary to mist the leaves in the morning to provide adequate moisture. In terms of fertilization, it is recommended to fertilize Mandevilla in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Alternatively, you can use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer mixed at half strength every two weeks in spring and summer.

Pruning is another important aspect of Mandevilla care. It is best to prune the plant in late winter before new growth begins. Remove no more than one-third of the foliage and make cuts to maintain the desired shape and remove any dead or diseased vines. It is important to wear gloves when pruning as the milky sap of the Mandevilla can irritate the skin. Additionally, pinching the ends of the plants when new growth starts will result in a bushier plant.

Varieties Of Mandevilla And Where To Find Them

There are several varieties of Mandevilla available, each with its own unique characteristics.

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One popular variety is Mandevilla x amabilis, also known as du Pont’s Mandevilla. It is grown in zones 10-11, usually as an annual, and features textured leaves and large icy-pink flowers up to 4 inches across.

Another variety is Mandevilla laxa, also known as Chilean jasmine, which is grown in zones 8-11. This variety has a vining habit, pure white fragrant flowers, and is hardier than most other Mandevillas.

Mandevilla sanderi, known as ‘Red Riding Hood,’ is another commonly grown variety. It has a compact vining habit, vibrant rosy pink flowers with a yellow throat, and is typically grown in zones 10-11 as an annual.

Lastly, Mandevilla boliviensis, or White Mandevilla, is a vining bushy variety that features elegant 3-inch white flowers with orange-yellow throats. It is grown in zones 10-11, usually as an annual.

You can find Mandevilla plants at big retailers, box stores, nurseries, and also online. These plants are readily available and provide a range of colors and growth habits to choose from, allowing you to find the perfect Mandevilla for your garden.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Where do mandevilla grow best?

Mandevilla plants thrive in areas that receive abundant sunlight throughout the day. While they can tolerate some morning shade and afternoon sun, their blooms may not be as vibrant. Planting them in a location where the soil can dry out slightly between waterings is also essential for optimal growth.

Can mandevilla grow in full sun?

Yes, mandevilla is a sun-loving plant that thrives in full sun. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to produce an abundant number of flowers. However, in hot regions, such as Phoenix and Austin, mandevilla can benefit from some shade during the scorching summer afternoons.

Do Mandevillas need something to climb?

No, Mandevillas do not need something to climb. Unlike other plants that grow upwards, Mandevillas form tidy mounds, which make them perfect for garden beds and borders, as well as containers. These mounding mandevillas typically reach a maximum height and width of 12 to 18 inches, eliminating the need for any climbing supports.

Does mandevilla like moist soil?

Mandevilla plants exhibit a preference for a consistent level of moisture but can withstand some dryness without compromising their blooming abilities. Striking a balance is key, as they do not thrive in soggy soil. A steady and gradual watering routine is recommended to allow the soil to absorb the moisture effectively.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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