The tropical vine Mandevilla is most often grown as a showy annual to complete a container arrangement that blooms well into the fall. The trumpet-shaped flowers are simple and much loved by hummingbirds and native bumblebees for their tasty nectar. The sturdy vines of Mandevilla can easily reach 24 -36 inches in one growing season.
Mandevilla is native is native to warm areas in North and South America and grows in full sun and well-draining soil. In the home garden, Mandevilla requires at least 6 hours of direct sun exposure to ensure continuous blooming and strong growth. Mandevilla is a hardy perennial in USDA zones 9-11 and can reach 30 feet after 10 years. Group Mandevilla with other tropical houseplants to create a relaxing and lush atmosphere on the deck or patio during the summer.
Photo by K M, unmodified, Flickr, copyright CC BY 2.0 DEED
Shrubs To Plant With Mandevilla
Mandevilla grows well with other sun-loving and tropical shrubs and palms. Let mandevilla spread on the ground in front of evergreen or deciduous shrubs for an informal ground cover with long-lasting color. Plant Mandevilla in a border alongside hibiscus and allow the vine to twine its way through the shrub to give your garden a lush display of flowers. In colder areas, plant Mandevilla in a 3-gallon (or larger) pot with some support from bamboo canes or a small trellis. Place the pot anywhere needing a boost of color from mid-summer on.
Perennials To Plant With Mandevilla
Choose perennial plants in colors to contrast or complement the hot tropical pink of Mandevilla flowers. The silvery tones of sedum, artemisia, lamb’s ear, and lavender all combine well with the jewel tones of Mandevilla, lending a refined appearance to your garden. Tropical plants with large leaves are good choices to grow with mandevilla in the summer. Large-leaved caladiums, large tropical ferns, and banana plants can be temporarily planted in a sunny perennial border for added height and foliage textures. Use the perennials as facer plants to camouflage any naked lower stems on the Mandevilla.
Annuals To Plant With Mandevilla
Many summer-blooming annuals mix and match with Mandevilla seamlessly to create long blooming displays. Mandevilla is not able to withstand the cold temperatures of early spring and should not be planted outdoors until nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees F. Combine Mandevilla with other tender annuals like New Guinea impatiens, flowering vinca, moss rose, and sweet potato vines, which also enjoy warm temperatures and well-draining soil. Use annuals grown for their colorful foliage such as licorice plant, creeping Jenny, coleus, and dusty miller to anchor a brightly colored Mandevilla climbing on a trellis or pergola and fill in any bare spots as the vine continues to grow.
Best Companion Plants For Mandevilla in Containers
Mandevillas grow well in containers and can provide vertical interest to a patio or deck. Plant Mandevilla toward the center of the container with a support to keep it growing vertically. Add filler plants, such as sedums, coleus, or begonias, to fill the pot with foliage and flowers through the summer. As the final element, add a trailing plant, such as lobelia, alyssum, sweet potato vine, or licorice plants, to soften the hard edges of a planter while adding another layer of texture to the overall composition. Provide the plants with at least 6 hours of full sun for best growth and blooming.
Plants Not To Grow With Mandevilla
Plants that prefer continuously wet soil like papyrus reeds, flag iris, and cattails are not good companions for Mandevilla. Even though Mandevilla thrives in hot and humid climates, it requires well-drained soil and time to dry out between watering. Similarly, waterwise or xeric plants, such as aloe, spurge, santolina, or agave, prefer dry, infertile soil and would not grow well in the moist, rich soil that Mandevilla likes.
Best Plants To Grow With Mandevilla
Mandevillas are one of the best choices when you want to give your garden a touch of tropical color. In colder zones, grow it in a pot with any perennial or annual that thrives in full to partial sun and rich, loamy soil. Other tropical-looking plants make the best partners for Mandevilla and will transform your garden into a tropical oasis during the summer.
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Author Robbin Small - Published 10-14-2023 |