Mandevilla

    Mandevilla - please refer to plant caretag for specific variety information

Sun Parasol Series

Features - The Original group has a habit with compact growth, which is upright with good basal branching, they are natural climbers with glossy green foliage and colourful blooms 2 to 3" in size. Neat and excellent garden performance.

Size - Landscape size can reach 3m to 45m (10' to 15').

Soil and water - The potting soil needs to be free draining with soil conditioner added. Watering is an important part of success with the mandevilla, too dry and there will be problems with fertilizer uptake and too wet and there will be problems with root death and other diseases. In winter reduce watering until the soil is dry then water little and often. In summer water uptake will increase and the soil should not dry out completely.

Light requirements - Grow in full sun. Loves warmth and plenty of sunlight.

Best use - Suitable as a patio, hanging, balcony, bedding and house plant. Mandevillas are excellent climbers for a trellis.

Growing tips - Moderate fertilizer is required during the strong growth periods of spring and summer. A slow release fertilizer can be put into the potting soil and this should be a balanced one, supplement with liquid water soluble fertilizer every 7 – 10 days. If the foliage shows signs of tip burn or black spots on the top and under side it means a lack of food. This plant can be overwintered indoors in cooler climates.

The tropical garden

A tropical garden features tropical plants and requires good rainfall or a decent irrigation or sprinkler system for watering. These gardens typically need fertilizer and heavy mulching.

Tropical gardens are no longer exclusive to tropical areas. Many gardeners in colder climates are adopting the tropical garden design, which is possible through careful choice of plants and flowers. Main features include plants with very large leaves, vegetation that builds in height towards the back of the garden, creating a dense garden. Large plants and small trees hang over the garden, leaving sunlight to hit the ground directly.

The more your local climate differs from the natural habitat of your plants, the more challenging it can be to maintain your tropical garden. Lots of light and lots of water are key elements for success. The large leaves that feature in tropical plants require the soil to be humid at all times, so irrigation is critical depending on the specific varieties in your garden. Although be careful not to over-watering as it will cause the roots to rot.

A tropical plant that is not cold-hardy should be brought indoors during the winter and returned to the garden for the summer.