Tropical mandevilla (syn. Dipladenia) are climbing evergreen perennials native to the woodlands of Central and South America. Perfect for growing as a conservatory houseplant in more temperate climates, they can bring a dash of the exotic to the home.
Mandevilla ‘Hybrid Red’ is a compact plant with large, trumpet-shaped, bright red flowers. Given the right hot and humid conditions, it can bloom all summer long, and will eventually grow into a large, shrubby climber.
For best results grow Mandevilla ‘Hybrid Red’ in a pot of 50: 50 ericaceous compost and John Innes No.2 in a warm but partially shaded conservatory. Water moderately during the growing season, mist daily and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser once a month. Flowering on the current year's growth, spur-prune in late winter or early spring.
Mandevilla ‘Hybrid Red’ is susceptible to greenhouse and conservatory pests such as mealybug, aphids, whitefly and scale, but these can be washed off with warm, soapy water. Avoid contact with the white sap that bleeds out of the cut stems, which can cause irritation to the skin and a stomach ache if ingested.
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Mandevilla ‘Sundaville red’ and wildlife
Mandevilla ‘Sundaville red’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
