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Overview
The Mandevilla Sundaville series is a group of Mandevilla hybrids created in Japan by the Suntory company from M. sanderii parentage.
It is an evergreen twining climber with glossy green leaves up to 6 cms long. In spring, summer and autumn it produces splendid rose pink to red open faced, tubular flowers with bright yellow centres.
It is not frost hardy but attracts birds, it will tolerate some drought and is generally quite self sufficient.
The key difference between these and regular Mandevilla sanderii is that they are relatively compact and will branch better.
They are sold as being best for hanging baskets, window boxes and in containers for indoors or patios.
Soil: Rich and fertile, well drained but moist soils with some added organic matter.
Ensure the soil is not waterlogged as the tuberous roots will rot.
If you have heavy soil then grow them in pots.
Choose a sunny location, though they do tolerate part shade very well.
Maintenance: Pinch out tips when initially growing to encourage branching
Keep well watered in hot conditions, but be careful not to overdo it and preferably let dry out inbetween. Cut back after flowering.
Can be trained to climb up trellises or on wires against a wall to provide a lush and leafy display spotted with a beautiful array of colourful flowers.
They will benefit from a liquid fertiliser once every few months - a good one to use is a Tomato fertiliser, though any general purpose liquid fertiliser will do.
Do not overwater in winter.
If its cold where you are in winter then bring them indoors if you can.
Diseases: None of note but can attract mealybugs, scales and sometimes prone to aphids.
Toxicity: Do not eat any part of the plant as it is mildly toxic.
Due to the low levels of toxicity it is best to keep children and pets away from these plants.
Rock Trumpet plants contain a milky white sap which flows out from cut areas of the plant, especially from the stems and leaves.
When this sap comes in contact with the skin, it causes irritation so wear gloves when pruning or deadheading.
Other Species: About 100 species in all. Others include Mandevilla laxa - the Chilean Jasmine (loses its leaves in winter), Mandevilla scabra, Mandevilla boliviensis and Mandevilla splendens.
Comments: Named after Henry Mandeville (1773-1861) - British diplomat and gardener.
Author: Bob Saunders.