Mandevilla laxa, commonly known as Chilean Jasmine, offers a captivating presence with its vigorous climbing habit and profusion of fragrant white blooms. Originating from the diverse landscapes of South America, this vine is a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a touch of elegance and a sweet aroma to their outdoor spaces. Its appeal lies in its rapid growth and the striking beauty of its trumpet-shaped flowers, making it a desirable plant for trellises, arbors, or containers.
What is Chilean Jasmine
Chilean Jasmine (Mandevilla laxa) is a deciduous, woody vine native to the mountainous regions of Chile and Argentina. It features twining stems that can reach 15 to 20 feet in ideal conditions. Its leaves are vibrant green, oval to lance-shaped, and somewhat glossy.
The most distinctive feature of Mandevilla laxa is its highly fragrant, pure white, trumpet-shaped flowers, measuring 2 to 3 inches across. These blooms appear in clusters, creating a striking visual display and releasing a strong, sweet scent, particularly noticeable in the evening. Unlike evergreen Mandevillas, Mandevilla laxa sheds its leaves in cooler climates or during dormancy, enhancing its adaptability.
Growing Chilean Jasmine
This vine thrives in locations that provide full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to encourage abundant flowering. While it tolerates some shade, especially in the hottest afternoon hours, insufficient light can lead to sparse blooming and weaker growth. Optimal air circulation around the plant is also beneficial, helping to prevent fungal issues.
Mandevilla laxa prefers well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically between 6.0 and 7.0, is generally suitable for its root development and nutrient uptake. Incorporating compost or other organic amendments into the planting site improves soil structure, drainage, and fertility, providing an ideal foundation for the vine. Heavy, clayey soils that retain too much moisture should be amended or avoided to prevent root rot.
The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged, as excessive wetness can quickly lead to root problems. During dry spells, regular watering is necessary, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply to encourage a robust root system. Reducing watering frequency during cooler, dormant periods helps prevent issues associated with overly wet soil when the plant is not actively growing.
Chilean Jasmine is best suited for warmer climates and is generally hardy in USDA Zones 8 through 11, where it can be grown as a perennial. In regions with colder winters, where temperatures drop below freezing, Mandevilla laxa can be cultivated as an annual or successfully overwintered indoors. When grown in containers, it can be moved to a protected location, such as a heated greenhouse or a bright, cool room, before the first frost arrives.
Caring for Chilean Jasmine
During the active growing season, from spring through early fall, a balanced liquid fertilizer with a slightly higher phosphorus content, such as a 10-20-10 formulation, can be applied every two to four weeks. This encourages robust flower production without promoting excessive leafy growth at the expense of blooms. Slow-release granular fertilizers can also be incorporated into the soil at the beginning of the growing season, providing a steady supply of nutrients.
Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season to control its size, encourage bushier growth, and remove any spent flowers to promote continuous blooming. More substantial pruning, including the removal of dead, damaged, or diseased stems, is best performed in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This helps rejuvenate the plant and maintains an attractive structure.
Chilean Jasmine can be susceptible to common garden pests, including aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Regular inspection of the leaves, particularly the undersides, can help detect infestations early. Minor pest issues can often be managed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or by applying insecticidal soap. Maintaining good air circulation and avoiding overly crowded conditions can help deter these pests.
Fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, may occur in humid environments or when air circulation is poor. Proper spacing and avoiding overhead watering, especially in the evening, can reduce the risk of these issues. If fungal problems develop, applying an appropriate fungicide can help control their spread. Ensuring the plant is not stressed by improper watering or nutrient deficiencies also contributes to its overall resilience against pests and diseases.
Propagating Chilean Jasmine
The ideal time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing and new shoots are pliable. Select healthy, non-flowering stems that are approximately 4 to 6 inches long, making the cut just below a leaf node.
Remove the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the cutting to expose the nodes, which are where roots will form. Dipping the cut end into a rooting hormone can significantly increase the success rate of root development. Plant the prepared cuttings into a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of perlite and peat moss, ensuring at least one node is buried. Providing consistent warmth, high humidity, and indirect light will encourage rooting, which typically occurs within several weeks.
Chilean Jasmine and Other Jasmines
This distinction is botanically important, as true jasmines like Common Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) and Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) are genetically different plants. The shared “jasmine” name often refers to the intense, sweet fragrance common to both Mandevilla laxa and many Jasminum species.
The primary differences lie in their botanical classification, flower structure, and sometimes their growth habits. True jasmines typically have simpler, often star-shaped flowers and can vary widely in their climbing or shrubby habits. Mandevilla laxa, conversely, is characterized by its distinct trumpet-shaped flowers and its vigorous, twining growth. Other popular plants also called “jasmine,” such as Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), belong to entirely different plant families, further highlighting the need to distinguish Mandevilla laxa by its specific botanical name.