Mandevilla laxa (Chilean Jasmine) is a semi-evergreen, woody, twining climber with sprays of 3-15 large, creamy-white, funnel-shaped flowers, up to 3 in. across (8 cm), with broad petal lobes. The blossoms release a sweet vanilla fragrance that is most pronounced in the evening. Blooming periodically in summer, the blossoms contrast against the lush foliage of oval, shiny bright green leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm). The flowers give way to pairs of long bean-like fruit pods. Evergreen in warm climates.
- Scientific name: Mandevilla laxa (Ruiz & Pav.) Woodson
- Common names: Chilean Jasmine
- Synonyms: Amblyanthera bridgesii,Amblyanthera suaveolens,Echites glandulosus,Echites laxus,Echites suaveolens,Mandevilla bangii,Mandevilla bridgesii,Mandevilla mandonii,Mandevilla suaveolens,Mandevilla tweedieana
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Genus: Mandevilla
How to Grow and Care
Mandevilla grows easily from cuttings if they are harvested in summer during the vine's active growth phase. If treated with hormone and kept warm, the cuttings will root in approximately four weeks and will be ready for transplant by autumn.
Soil: well-drained loamy or sandy soil, enriched with compost and bone meal, ensures a healthy root system. Heavy clay or poorly drained soil that stays damp for long is not suitable. Where these conditions prevail, rather plant mandevillas in pots using a good quality commercial potting soil.
Water: they do not need excessive quantities of water, but do need to be watered regularly during summer – although only when the soil in the garden or pots has dried out considerably.
Fertilizing: you expect loads of flowers so the plants must be fed in spring and again in late summer with potassium-rich granular fertilizer. Give those growing in pots a monthly application of liquid fertilizer in addition to the granular fertilizer.
Pruning: woody or sparse plants can be pruned back in spring to encourage new growth. A severe pruning every four years, taking the plant down to knee height, does no damage and encourages dense growth. In summer, when semi-creeping mandevillas in pots are growing actively, you can pinch off the growth points to encourage more side stems to form.
Hardiness: USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
Origin: Mandevilla laxa is native to southern Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and northern Argentina.
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown with heat in spring, or root softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer, with bottom heat.
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