Habitat:
Mandevilla splendens is native to southeastern Brazil, particularly in the states of Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro, where it grows in Atlantic coastal forests at low to moderate elevations. In its natural habitat, it climbs through the humid, semi-deciduous and evergreen forest margins, often near rocky outcrops or forest clearings, where it receives bright, indirect light and steady moisture. The species is adapted to warm, humid subtropical conditions with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Description:
Mandevilla splendens is a woody evergreen climber or scrambling shrub, reaching several metres in length under favourable conditions. Stems are twining and produce latex when cut. The opposite leaves are ovate to oblong, 7–15 cm long, with a smooth, leathery texture and dark glossy green colour. New growth may be reddish-tinged. The plant is best known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers, which are 5–9 cm across, with five spreading lobes and a broad throat. Flower colour ranges from deep pink to rose, with a golden-yellow throat. The blooms are borne in terminal clusters and are mildly fragrant. Flowering occurs in warm months and can persist into autumn under cultivation. Fruit is a twin capsule, though rarely produced outside native conditions.
Cultivation:
Grow Mandevilla splendens in bright, filtered light or full sun, especially outdoors in warm climates. It thrives in temperatures between 20–30 °C during the day, with nighttime lows above 10 °C. Below 5 °C, it must be protected or overwintered indoors. Maintain high humidity (60% or more) and use a rich, free-draining potting mix, such as peat, bark, and perlite. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, allowing the top layer to dry slightly between waterings. It prefers a slightly acidic pH of 5.8–6.5. Feed fortnightly in spring and summer with a high-phosphorus fertiliser to support blooming. Provide a trellis or support for climbing growth.
Specifications:
Plant Size: plants 25-35 cm. A couple in flower.
Plant Family: Apocynaceae
Plant Passport: Mandevilla splendens B 140084 C [user input] D GB