Chilean Jasmine Mandevilla laxa
ABOUT
Mandevilla laxa, commonly known as Chilean Jasmine, is a captivating plant that is adored for its ornamental value. This climbing vine is distinguished by its lush, glossy, deep green leaves that provide a contrasting backdrop to its most striking feature: the fragrant, waxy white flowers. Blossoming in clusters, the trumpet-shaped blooms exhibit a delicate charm with their elegant flared petals and subtle yellow throats. Each flower can charm the senses, not just with its visual beauty but also with its sweet, heady scent. The plant's twining stems enable it to scale trellises and supports, allowing it to elegantly drape itself over structures, contributing to its allure in gardens and patios. The blooms generally make their most prominent display during the warmer months, which contributes significantly to the plant's popularity among garden enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Chilean Jasmine, Summer Jasmine
Common names
Mandevilla suaveolens, Dipladenia suaveolens, Echites suaveolens
ToxicityTo humans
The Mandevilla vine, commonly known as Chilean jasmine, does have parts that are considered toxic if ingested. The entire plant contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed by humans. Symptoms of poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Ingesting large amounts of plant material can potentially lead to more severe symptoms, so it is important to keep this plant out of reach of children who might accidentally consume it.
To pets
Chilean jasmine is also toxic to pets if ingested. The plant contains compounds which can be harmful, and consumption can lead to symptoms similar to those in humans, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly excessive drooling. It's especially important to keep an eye on pets like cats and dogs that might be tempted to chew on the plant. If you suspect your pet has ingested Chilean jasmine, it is important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Mandevilla laxa, commonly known as Chilean jasmine, is widely appreciated for its beautiful trumpet-shaped white flowers that add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant's bright and fragrant flowers are effective in attracting beneficial pollinators such as bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, supporting the local ecosystem.
- Easy to Grow: Chilean jasmine is known for being relatively easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for novice gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance plants.
- Versatility: It can be grown as a climbing vine or as a trailing plant in hanging baskets, providing flexibility in garden design and landscaping.
- Fragrance: The plant emits a pleasant and sweet fragrance, particularly in the evening, creating a soothing and aromatic environment in the vicinity of the plant.
- Screening: When grown on trellises or fences, Mandevilla laxa can provide a natural, green screen for privacy or to conceal unsightly areas.
- Long Blooming: It has a long flowering season, often blooming from late spring into fall, ensuring a consistent display of color and interest for an extended period.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Chilean Jasmine vines can be used as privacy screens when grown along fences or trellises, providing a natural barrier that is aesthetically pleasing.
- Due to its vining habit, Chilean Jasmine can be trained to cover unattractive structures in the garden, such as sheds or old buildings, enhancing visual appeal.
- The plant's ability to grow relatively fast makes it suitable for use in theatrical sets or event design, where temporary natural backdrops are needed quickly.
- Chilean Jasmine's twining stems can be woven into living garden art or topiaries, offering a creative element to landscape design.
- The long-lasting and sweetly scented flowers of Chilean Jasmine make it ideal for creating natural, perfumed walkways or patio areas.
- As a fast-growing climber, it can be used to quickly cover trellis partitions in outdoor cafes or restaurants, providing a lush, intimate atmosphere.
- The plant can be potted and grown as a houseplant, where its trailing vines add a touch of the tropics to indoor settings.
- In mild climates, Chilean Jasmine can be used in winter gardens to maintain a green, flowering presence throughout the colder months.
- When used in butterfly gardens, the nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators, contributing to the local ecosystem's health.
- The bright white flowers of Chilean Jasmine can be used as cut flowers for table arrangements, giving a fresh and fragrant touch to home decor.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chilean Jasmine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chilean Jasmine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Chilean Jasmine (Mandevilla laxa): Often associated with beauty due to its elegant and attractive flowers, this plant symbolizes charm and grace.
- Chilean Jasmine (Mandevilla laxa): It can represent a welcoming environment, as the plant's vining nature and profuse blooms may suggest hospitality and warmth.
- Chilean Jasmine (Mandevilla laxa): This plant may connote resilience or perseverance, as it can thrive in various conditions and climb upwards, seeking light.
WaterFor a Chilean Jasmine, water thoroughly and allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. During the active growth period in spring and summer, water about once a week, which might translate to approximately one to two gallons for an outdoor plant or 16 to 32 ounces for a smaller indoor plant, depending on size and environmental conditions. In fall and winter, reduce watering to every other week or less, depending on the plant's environment and if the soil remains moist. Overwatering can cause root rot, so ensure proper drainage.
LightThe Chilean Jasmine thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and can tolerate some partial shade. Ideally, place it in a spot where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from scorching. Direct, full afternoon sun can be too intense for the plant and may damage the foliage.
TemperatureThe Chilean Jasmine prefers a warm climate with daytime temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and night temperatures no cooler than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It can handle brief dips down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost or prolonged exposure to cold below this can damage or kill the plant. The ideal temperature range for this plant is 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune the Chilean Jasmine to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or damaged growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune lightly, cutting back to just above a set of leaves to promote branching. Additionally, after the plant finishes blooming, trim off the spent flowers to encourage further blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilChilean Jasmine thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A good mix would be equal parts of loam, peat, and sharp sand or perlite, ensuring nutrients and proper aeration.
RepottingChilean Jasmine should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Use a slightly larger pot to allow for growth.
Humidity & MistingChilean Jasmine prefers high humidity levels, around 50-70%, but can tolerate lower humidity if necessary.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil moist in warm temps.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade or morning sun with shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Chilean Jasmine (Mandevilla laxa) begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in spring, in a warm environment with moist soil. The seedling emerges and grows into a young plant, developing a root system and foliage. As a fast-growing perennial vine, it enters a vegetative stage where it focuses on leaf and stem growth, climbing or trailing on supports. Once mature, the plant produces fragrant, white, funnel-shaped flowers during the summer months, usually in its second year. After pollination, typically by moths or bees attracted to the scent, the Chilean Jasmine develops seed pods that eventually dry and release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. During winter or in less favorable conditions, the plant may enter dormancy, reducing growth until favorable conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating a Chilean Jasmine, which is a common name for Mandevilla laxa, is through stem cuttings. This process is ideally done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. A healthy, non-flowering stem is chosen, and a cutting about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long is made just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist but not waterlogged. Covering the cutting with a plastic bag can create a greenhouse effect to maintain humidity. Roots typically develop in a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions and eventually transplanted outdoors.
