Mandevilla Tropical Breeze™ ‘Velvet Red’

If you’re looking to add a tropical flair to your landscape, look no further than the mandevilla! Mandevillas are admired for their showy flowers and early blooms. Tropical Breeze™ has deep velvet red flowers with five broad lobes that flare out from a tubular throat. These blooms look striking against their dark, glossy green foliage. Their bloom time is spring through fall. Mandevillas are fast growing, shrub-like vines that have twining stems 10-15ft long. Support with a stake or trellis so they have something to climb up.

Mandevillas are easy to care for. An important part of their care is the type of light they receive. Since they need sun and heat to bloom well, they do best in full sun and in higher temperatures. Though they are a heat loving plant, mature plants can tolerate short periods of cold temperatures. For coastal areas, you can train them against a protected south or west-facing wall. They are considered evergreen plants in frost-free regions, however, they can be treated as a summer annual in cooler climates.

Mandevillas prefer drier soil so allow soil to dry between thorough waterings. Pinch off ¼ to ½ inch off the end of each stem to encourage bushier and fuller growth. Because they are vining plants, they can be supported with a trellis to add height or left to form a dense mound. They are a great choice for hanging baskets or containers. They also look great near a poolside or in an urban garden. Though they are unscented, their bright colors attract many pollinators, including hummingbirds!