Alice du Pont Mandevilla Mandevilla × amabilis 'Alice du Pont'
ABOUT
The Mandevilla 'Alice du Pont' is a stunning plant that features a climbing habit, making it a popular choice for trellises and hanging baskets. This variety is known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers which can be immediately eye-catching. The blooms exhibit a lovely pink color with a soft, almost velvety texture and usually have a deeper pink throat, creating a captivating contrast. The flowers are supported by glossy, deep green leaves that offer a lush backdrop to the vibrant floral display. These leaves have a leathery feel and are oval to oblong in shape, contributing to the overall tropical appearance of the plant. The Mandevilla 'Alice du Pont' continues to produce flowers throughout the warmer months, often from late spring to early fall, providing a long season of visual interest. The flowing growth habit and the striking color of the blooms make this plant both an aesthetic standout for gardeners and a lure for pollinators like hummingbirds. Its ability to climb and trail allows it to be versatile in how it is displayed within a garden setting, whether it's creating veils of color up a trellis or spilling gracefully from a hanging basket.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Apocynaceae
Synonyms
Mandevilla, Alice Du Pont Mandevilla, Pink Mandevilla, Rocktrumpet
Common names
Mandevilla × amabilis 'Alice du Pont'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Mandevilla plant contains compounds that can be toxic if ingested. While not typically life-threatening, poisoning symptoms may include gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as possible irritation of the mouth and throat if parts of the plant are consumed. Contact with the sap may also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The Mandevilla plant is similarly toxic to pets as it is to humans. If a pet ingests parts of the plant, it may experience symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and possibly abdominal pain. The plant can also cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction if a pet comes into contact with its sap. It is important to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting this plant to avoid these toxic effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Mandevilla 'Alice du Pont' is known for its large, showy pink flowers that add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Growth Habit: This cultivar is a vigorous climber, making it ideal for trellises, arbors, and fences.
- Heat Tolerance: It thrives in warm climates, withstanding hot temperatures better than many other plants.
- Tropical Feel: Its lush foliage and tropical-looking flowers can create an exotic ambiance in the garden.
- Low Water Requirements: Once established, this mandevilla variety can tolerate dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant blooms from late spring through fall, providing an extended period of visual interest.
- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden, helping to pollinate other plants.
- Container Gardening: It can be grown in pots or containers, making it a versatile choice for patios, balconies, and other outdoor spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Mandevilla 'Alice du Pont' can be used in education to teach plant propagation techniques, as it can be easily propagated by cuttings.
- As a photography subject, the elegant flowers and climbing habit of Mandevilla 'Alice du Pont' make it an ideal candidate for botanical and garden photography.
- Mandevilla 'Alice du Pont' can be included in sensory gardens due to its textural leaves and visually appealing flowers enhancing sensory experiences.
- Incorporating Mandevilla 'Alice du Pont' into mindfulness gardens allows individuals to focus on the plant's beauty and engage in grounding techniques.
- The plant's vining habit can be utilized in art installations, using its natural form to create living sculptures or green backdrops.
- Horticultural therapy programs often feature Mandevilla 'Alice du Pont' for its ease of care and the satisfaction of nurturing a flowering plant.
- Mandevilla 'Alice du Pont' can be used in noise reduction strategies in urban gardens as part of green walls that help to dampen sound.
- This variety of Mandevilla can serve as a natural privacy screen on balconies or patios when trained on a trellis or railing.
- The use of Mandevilla 'Alice du Pont' in insect education programs can help showcase the plant-pollinator relationships and the importance of insects in ecosystems.
- For vertical gardening aficionados, Mandevilla 'Alice du Pont' is a superb choice, adding depth and a splash of color to vertical spaces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mandevilla is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mandevilla is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Charm and Grace: The 'Alice du Pont' variety of Mandevilla, often known simply as Mandevilla, possesses an elegant and charming appearance, which can symbolize the delightful gracefulness in one's character or environment.
- Passion: Mandevilla's vibrant colors and trumpet-shaped flowers often represent strong emotions and passion, making it a symbol for intense love or desire.
- Tropical Exuberance: Native to tropical regions, Mandevilla can symbolize exuberance, luxuriance, and the vibrancy of life associated with lush and sunny climates.
- Positive Energy: The plant's ability to climb and grow vigorously can symbolize the vitality and positive energy one brings into life's endeavors or into the lives of others.
- Warm Hospitality: Often used in patios and as ornamental features in warm climates, Mandevilla can represent the welcoming and friendly atmosphere one may offer to guests and friends.
WaterPink Dipladenia, which is another name for Mandevilla × amabilis 'Alice du Pont', prefers consistently moist soil but does not like to be waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once every 7 to 10 days, depending on the climate and weather conditions. Thoroughly water the plant with about one gallon for a medium-sized outdoor pot, ensuring excess water drains out to prevent root rot. Increase watering frequency during hot, dry periods, and reduce it during cooler, rainy seasons to meet the plant's needs.
LightPink Dipladenia thrives in areas with full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot is one where the plant can get at least six hours of sunlight each day, while being protected from the harsh afternoon sun in extremely hot climates. Bright, indirect light is best to encourage abundant flowering without stressing the plant.
TemperaturePink Dipladenia does well in warmer temperatures, with ideal conditions ranging from 60°F to 85°F. It can survive minimum temperatures of 50°F but should be protected from frost. Keep the plant in a location that's free from drafts and sudden temperature changes for optimal growth.
PruningPink Dipladenia should be pruned to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or yellowing leaves. Pruning is best done in spring before the new growth starts. Cut back up to one-third of the plant’s length, making sure to use clean, sharp shears. Remove any weak or damaged stems to promote healthier growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Pink Mandevilla prefers a well-draining potting mix with peat, perlite, and pine bark. A pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is optimal for its growth.
RepottingPink Mandevilla should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot to ensure continued growth and health.
Humidity & MistingPink Mandevilla thrives best at a humidity level of 50-70%, which is closer to its native tropical conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and maintain warm temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from intense afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Alice du Pont Mandevilla begins when its seeds germinate in warm, moist soil conditions. Seedlings emerge and develop a primary root system and initial foliage. As the plant grows, a woody vine develops, producing glossy, oval leaves and climbing stems that require support. Alice du Pont Mandevilla reaches maturity when it starts to bloom, typically showcasing its large, trumpet-shaped pink flowers throughout the warmer months. After pollination, if conditions are favorable, the plant may produce seed pods, completing its reproductive cycle. In colder climates, the plant behaves as an annual unless protected from frost, while in warmer zones, it can persist as an evergreen perennial, continuing its growth cycle for several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Dipladenia 'Alice du Pont', commonly known as Mandevilla 'Alice du Pont', is most often propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. This involves taking a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long from a healthy, disease-free mother plant during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed and the cut end can be treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in well-draining soil or a mix of peat and perlite, kept moist, and provided with warmth and indirect light. A plastic cover or dome can help retain humidity. Rooting generally takes a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions and eventually moved to a more permanent location.
