Explore Plants

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
    
 

Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Saturday - July 01, 2006

From: Oldsmar, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Care of non-native Mandevilla
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I have purchased 2 Red Riding Hood Mandevilla's. The tag on it says it blooms spring to frost, full sun, ave size is 8 feet tall & spreading. I live in the Tampa FL area. Does this plant grow as a shrub or does it need something to help it climb, like a vine?

ANSWER:

Our interest and expertise at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is in plants native to North America. Red Riding Hood Mandevilla (Mandevilla splendens or Dipladenia spendens or Dipladenia sanderi) is a native of Brazil and isn't really in our purview. However, we can guide you to more information on the care of your plant. It is a woody vine and does need something to climb on.
 

More Non-Natives Questions

Plectranthus (native of South Africa) winter care and insects
September 26, 2007 - I was recently given a beautiful plant which is now in a pot in my yard. I live in Rochester, NY and need to know what to do with this plant in the fall. The plant is 'Mona Lavender' Plectranthus p...
view the full question and answer

Invasive mandevilla from Chula Vista CA
December 10, 2012 - How can I rid my yard of mandevilla that has invaded from my neighbor's yard?
view the full question and answer

Treatment of leaf curl on non-native peach in Camano Island, WA
April 26, 2009 - How to treat peach leaf curl?
view the full question and answer

Care for non-native Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon)
August 30, 2005 - I am moving into a new home and have been told that the two plants in my front yard are called Hearts of Sharon. I need to know how to care for them and when and how to prune them so that they dont gr...
view the full question and answer

Non-native, invasive Datura sprouting from compost
September 26, 2005 - Hi, I have a plant growing out of some compost we purchased this spring and no one can tell me what it is. It's about 4 ft. tall, the stem is maroon like rhubarb and it produces 4-5 in. tubular lig...
view the full question and answer

Smarty Plants's Facebook profile Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.

Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends.