Is Dipladenia and Mandevilla the Same Plant?
Dipladenia and mandevilla are two popular flowering plants known for their beautiful, trumpet-shaped blooms. While they look quite similar, there are some key differences between these two plants.
What is Dipladenia?
Dipladenia is a genus of flowering shrubs that are native to tropical regions of South America. There are around 8 known species of dipladenia. These shrubs have lush green, glossy leaves and produce clusters of showy flowers in colors like white, pink, red, orange, and yellow.
Dipladenia plants have a bushy, compact growth habit. Their stems hang down rather than climbing upwards. The leaves are oval or elliptical in shape and the flowers have five lobes. Dipladenia blooms are generally smaller than mandevilla blooms.
Some popular dipladenia species and hybrids include:
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Dipladenia sanderi – Also known as Mandevilla sanderi Has bright red flowers
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Dipladenia splendens – White or pale pink flowers.
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Dipladenia x amoena – Red blooms with yellow throats.
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Dipladenia Sun Parasol series – Bred for their large, vividly colored blooms in shades of crimson, magenta, white, and orange.
What is Mandevilla?
Mandevilla is a genus of around 120 climbing vine species, also native to tropical regions of South America. These vining plants can grow up to 20 feet tall. The leaves are shiny and elongated. Flowers come in reds, pinks, whites, and yellows.
Some well-known mandevilla species include:
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Mandevilla boliviensis – White flowers with yellow throats.
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Mandevilla laxa – Chilean jasmine. Delicate white blooms.
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Mandevilla splendens – Pink or red blooms.
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Mandevilla sanderi – Bright red flowers.
While dipladenia and certain mandevilla species have similar flowers, mandevilla has a vining growth habit rather than a bushy shrub form.
Are Dipladenia and Mandevilla the Same Plant?
While dipladenia and mandevilla are related plants in the same Apocynaceae family, they are not the same. Here are some key differences:
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Growth habit – Dipladenia is a shrub while mandevilla is a climbing vine.
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Leaf shape – Mandevilla leaves are longer and more elongated. Dipladenia leaves are oval.
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Flower size – Dipladenia blooms are generally smaller.
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Cold tolerance – Dipladenia is slightly more cold hardy than mandevilla.
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Origins – Dipladenia was originally classified as its own genus before being reclassified as part of the Mandevilla genus. This has caused some confusion over the names.
- Dipladenia = bushy shrub with smaller blooms
- Mandevilla = climbing woody vine with larger blooms
While the two plants are close relatives and look very similar, dipladenia and mandevilla are distinct species with some key physical differences. Referring to them interchangeably is incorrect.
How to Tell Dipladenia and Mandevilla Apart
Here are some tips for telling dipladenia and mandevilla apart:
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Look at the growth habit. Dipladenia will be a compact shrub that branches out. Mandevilla will be a tall, climbing vine.
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Examine the leaves. Mandevilla leaves are longer and narrower while dipladenia leaves are wider and oval-shaped.
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Check the flowers. Dipladenia blooms tend to be smaller, under 3 inches wide. Mandevilla flowers are over 3 inches in diameter.
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Note the flower colors. Dipladenia leans toward white/yellow blooms while mandevilla is known for bright reds and pinks. However, color is not a foolproof way to differentiate them.
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Look for labels. Reliable nurseries should have the plants properly labeled as either dipladenia or mandevilla. Don’t rely on common names like “Brazilian jasmine.”
If still unsure, look up images online to compare the growth habits side by side. This makes it easier to spot the differences. When in doubt, go by the genus name on the plant tag or packaging.
Where to Grow Dipladenia and Mandevilla
Both dipladenia and mandevilla thrive in tropical climates. They can be grown outdoors year-round in USDA zones 10-11. In zones 8-9, they can be grown outside in summer but will need to be brought inside before first frost.
These heat-loving plants require temperatures above 50°F. They enjoy full sun exposure and moist, well-draining soil. Container planting is recommended so they can be moved indoors during cold winters.
While mandevilla requires a trellis or other vertical support to climb, dipladenia grows well in pots, hanging baskets, and garden beds without support.
Caring for Dipladenia and Mandevilla
Dipladenia and mandevilla have very similar care needs:
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Soil – Rich, well-draining soil with compost or peat moss added.
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Light – Full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
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Water – 1-2 inches per week. Allow soil to partially dry between waterings.
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Temperature – Above 50°F. Avoid cold drafts.
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Humidity – Average humidity around 50%. Mist leaves if air is very dry.
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Fertilizer – Liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during growth season.
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Pruning – Prune back by 1/3 after flowering to encourage blooms.
Proper care will reward you with nonstop flowers summer through fall. Protect plants from frost and keep moist in winter when flowering decreases. Propagate by stem cuttings for more of these gorgeous plants.
Choosing Between Dipladenia and Mandevilla
When deciding between these two flowering plants, consider:
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Growth needs – Dipladenia if you want a bushy shrub, mandevilla for a climbing vine.
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Flower preferences – Dipladenia for smaller white/yellow blooms, mandevilla for large, vivid red or pink flowers.
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Sun exposure – Ensure the spot has at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
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Climate – Only suitable for zone 10-11 outdoors. Needs winter protection elsewhere.
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Support – Mandevilla requires a trellis. Dipladenia does not need support.
While not identical plants, both offer spectacular summertime color in warm climates. Provided their care needs are met, dipladenia and mandevilla are easy to grow and make excellent additions to tropical gardens.
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These tropical flowering vines produce large trumpet flowers in shades of red, pink, yellow, and white, some with a yellow or darker eye. Mandevilla are fairly aggressive vines, growing rapidly up any support or trellis nearby. Dipladenia possess a smaller, bushy habit that produces a shorter trailing effect. They make excellent hummingbird attractants, and awesome “thrillers” in a mixed annual container as they twine up and down their support. They are beautiful “spilling” over hanging baskets as well. Bring inside over the winter as a houseplant.
Grow in full sun, 6+ hours of direct sun per day; indoors a south or west facing window with bright direct light is best. Prefers warm to average household temperatures, 65°-85°F. Keep soil evenly moist to slightly dry. Supply extra humidity by setting on a shallow tray of moistened pebbles over winter. Feed with Osmocote or Miracle-Gro April-October. After a few fall frosts, prune heavily, back to green leaf nodes, and bring indoors for winter.
- Sunlight Needs Full Sun
- Height 6-120″
- Width 6-24″
Grow with other sun loving flowering tropical plants such as Jasmine, Hibiscus, Bougainvillea, and Citrus.
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Mandevilla and Dipladenia
FAQ
What is another name for Dipladenia?
Another common name for Dipladenia is Mandevilla. While both names are used, “Dipladenia” was previously used to distinguish smaller, shrub-like varieties from the larger, vining Mandevilla plants.
Does a Dipladenia need a trellis?
Choose Dipladenia. Want one to climb a trellis? Mandevilla is your variety! Mandevilla vine plants like to climb trellis’ and other objects, whereas Dipladenia plants are more likely to bush and then start to trail down.
What is the difference between alamanda and Dipladenia?
Allamanda is a vining plant producing yellow, pink or red flowers. Dipladenia is really Mandevilla sanderii. It has very little vining habit – it’s more like a spreading bush. It has pinkish flowers but it won’t cover your mailbox like a common mandevilla vine, Mandevilla splendens, or allamanda will.
What is the difference between Dipladenia & Mandevilla?
They look alike – so what are the differences between them? Dipladenia, commonly known as rock trumpet, are small, slightly sprawling, evergreen shrublets. The smooth glossy, fine and pointed, deep green leaves are clean and attractive. The flowers and the foliage are typically smaller than Mandevilla and the stems dangle or cascade.
What is the scientific name of a Mandevilla?
The plant’s scientific name is Dipladenia mandevilla, and it is commonly referred to as “Mandevilla” or “Dipladenia.” How do mandevilla and dipladenia differ from each other? In terms of appearance, mandevilla has larger leaves and flowers compared to dipladenia, and some mandevilla varieties may have more vibrant colors.
What is the difference between Dipladenia and Allamanda?
Allamanda is a vining plant producing yellow, pink or red flowers. Dipladenia is really Mandevilla sanderii. It has very little vining habit – it’s more like a spreading bush. It has pinkish flowers but it won’t cover your mailbox like a common mandevilla vine, Mandevilla splendens, or allamanda will.
Can mandevilla and Dipladenia grow in the same pot?
Yes, you can grow mandevilla and dipladenia in the same pot. Since they are the same plant, they have the same requirements for growing conditions, including soil, water, and sunlight. They can coexist in the same pot or be planted in the same garden bed without any problems.
Are Dipladenia & Mandevilla a pest?
Dipladenia and Mandevilla Both plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they may occasionally be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. Regularly inspect the plants for any signs of infestation and treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if necessary.
Do Mandevilla & Dipladenia need to be pruned?
Pruning is essential to the growth and health of both mandevilla and dipladenia. However, their pruning needs differ slightly. Mandevilla requires more aggressive pruning to keep its growth in check and promote blooming. Prune back mandevilla plants by a third in early spring before new growth appears.