Mandeville vs Dipladenia
Garden Clippings for June 18, 2022
A decade ago, nobody knew what they were. Today, Dipladenias and Mandevilles have become must-haves in every gardener’s backyard.
Thanks to the popularity of container gardening, these two flowering annual plants have become darlings in the sun. Put them on the porch, patio or balcony and they will give vibrant colour till frost arrives.
Oddly enough, there is much confusion about what is what and who is who in the world of Dipladenias and Mandevilles. Even the growers can’t seem to agree on their names. The only bit of agreement among horticulturists is that the two are related.
Until I am told otherwise, I am believing that Dipladenias have small, dark green, shiny leaves, about 2 inches long. Flowers are trumpet shaped, opening to about 2 inches across. Colour is bright in pink, red, white, and sometimes yellow.
Dipladenia has a growth habit that is bush shaped, about as wide as tall. If grown as a hanging basket or in a simple pot, it will grow to more than 2 feet in diameter.
Dipladenia has wiry stems that can sometimes be coaxed to climb up a trellis. If you don’t want it to travel upwards, nip off its ends and you will gain a denser plant.
Mandevilles are like Dipladenias but with larger leaves, larger flowers and larger plant. And a larger price tag. Leaves are about 4 to 5 inches long and flowers, mostly in deep red, opening to 4 inches in diameter.
Mandevilles want to climb and are best planted at the base of an obelisk, arbour or trellis. The quick growing vine will easily reach the top of an arbour within one growing season. Mandevillas are impressive in size, texture and colour, and deserve a prominent spot in the landscape.
Both Mandevillas and Dipladenias are sun loving plants that are easy to grow. Like all annual flowering plants, they like a constant supply of water but will forgive you if you occasionally forget to water or need to go away for the weekend. For consistent flower, fertilize as you would any annual flowers.
If attracting hummingbirds is your goal, Dipladenias are a must have. They are attracted to Dipladenias’ bright blooms and will draw nectar from deep within the flower’s throat.
Both can be brought indoors and grown as a houseplant through winter. provide ample light and water once a week. They won’t bloom much indoors, but the glossy foliage will do much to enhance an indoor environment.
