Sun Parasol® Crimson Mandevilla (man-de-VILL-uh) is an attractive tropical perennial evergreen. It is a member of the Mandevillas family of plants (formerly Dipladenia). This woody, climbing, trailing vine hails from Brazil and is named after Henry Mandeville, a British diplomat to Argentina in the 18th century.
Mandevillas also go by the common name Brazilian Jasmine. This particular Mandeville is one of the Suntory collection that go by the trade name Sun Parasol. These plants have huge, very deeply saturated red, velvety blooms.
Caring Crimson Mandevilla Care
Size And Growth
Crimson Mandevillas can grow to a length/height of approximately 10′ or 15′ feet with a 2-foot spread at the base. They have a moderate rate of growth.
Flowering And Fragrance
The flowers of this attractive tropical vine are five inches wide, tubular shaped, and deep crimson.
The long-lasting blooms appear late in the spring and persist through mid-autumn. They transition into berries that are not edible or of ornamental value.
Foliage
The leaves of this Mandeville are dark green, glossy and large. They grow in great profusion to create a thick, bushy, lush vine.
Light And Temperature
These tropical vines are winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. They need a minimum of 6 or 8 hours of bright sunlight daily.
While they can survive in partial sun, full sun is best for abundant bloom production.
Related: Do Mandevilla Need Full Sun – Do Mandevillas require full sunlight for optimal growth?
Watering And Feeding
Keep the soil slightly moist at all times, but never allow it to be soggy. You should also take great care not to let the soil dry out completely.
Be especially careful with Mandevilla and Dipladenia container plants, which may dry out very quickly.
These plants are not drought tolerant and may die when unwatered during hot weather.
Check the soil frequently, and provide deep, slow watering when the top couple inches of soil are dry.
Avoid overhead watering, as this can lead to fungal infections of the stems and leaves.
To promote vigorous growth and bloom, you should provide your Mandevilla plant with a liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks throughout the growing season.
You can provide half doses of a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer bi-weekly, or apply time-released, granulated fertilizer early in the spring and again mid-summer.
Soil And Transplanting
Soggy soil and compacted soil will kill Mandevillas. They need light, airy soil that has been well-amended with an ample amount of organic matter.
Grooming And Maintenance
Prune your Mandevillas frequently to maintain shape and promote bushy growth. Provide some support (e.g., a landscape structure, fence, or trellis) that the vines can climb.
You may need to guide and attach the vines to the structure to train them to grow up. Otherwise, they will prefer to ramble over the ground.
You can use this tendency to your advantage by planting your Mandevillas in a location that allows them to wander over a slope or retaining wall.
Propagating Sun Parasol Crimson Mandevilla?
Like all Mandevillas, Sun Parasol® can be grown from cuttings; however, doing so is strictly prohibited by the Plant Patent Act.
Mandevilla Diseases
Mandevillas tend to suffer from fungal diseases, such as:
- Anthracnose
- Botrytis Blight
- Fusarium Rot
These are usually caused by excessive moisture (e.g., overwatering or heavy rainfall) and cold temperatures.
Symptoms include the following:
- Yellowing leaves
- Brown and tan lesions
- Spots on the leaves
- Leaf drop
- Overall failure to thrive
Prevent these problems by avoiding overhead watering and overwatering and providing light, well-draining soil.
If your Mandevillas contract a fungal infection, prune away affected foliage using very sharp, sterile shears.
Treat the plant with broad-spectrum fungicide (e.g., Propiconazole, triadimefon, or Myclobutanil).
Protect the plant from excessive rainfall, and avoid overwatering. Until the soil around the plant, amend it with fresh, light organic matter to help improve drainage and air circulation to the plants’ roots.
Is The Plant Considered Toxic Or Poisonous To People, Kids, Or Pets?
Mandevillas, in general, are poisonous if they are ingested. In addition, their leaves contain a milky sap that can irritate the skin.
Sun Parasol Mandevilla is an interspecific hybrid, and like its relatives, many parts of it are toxic to people and animals.
So plant your Mandevillas in an area protected from meddling by curious kids and pets.
Is The Plant Considered Invasive?
Mandevillas, in general, are not considered invasive. They do not have adventurous roots and do not self-seed enthusiastically.
Suggested Uses For Sun Parasol Mandevillas
Crimson Mandevillas are an excellent choice for a pollinator garden and beautiful addition to a tropical garden or a cottage garden as it’s deer resistant.
These gorgeous plants add drama to a poolside setting and can do well in large containers or hanging baskets.
Trained to climb a fence or trellis, Sun Parasol® Crimson Mandevilla can add privacy to your yard, porch, or patio.
Related: Mandevilla Winter Care Outside – What do you do to care for Mandevilla outside during winter? The details …