The Mandevilla vine is a tropical flowering plant native to Central and South America. It is prized for its continuous bloom of large, trumpet-shaped flowers, typically in shades of red, pink, or white, throughout the warm season. In most temperate climates, it is cultivated as a seasonal annual or a container plant brought indoors before frost. Understanding where and when to buy the healthiest specimens is the first step in successful cultivation.
Retail Sources for Mandevilla
Local garden centers and independent nurseries often offer the highest quality plants, which may include more mature specimens trained on larger trellises. These specialized locations typically source from regional growers and maintain better inventory of unique or heirloom cultivars. The staff at these centers can also provide tailored guidance specific to your local climate and growing conditions.
Big box stores and home improvement centers are a convenient source for Mandevilla, especially during peak spring and summer planting seasons. They generally stock smaller, more uniform starter plants at competitive prices, often featuring popular hybrid series like Sun Parasol. Selection may be limited to the most common colors, and the plants are typically smaller, sometimes sold in a pre-staked “teepee” structure.
Online specialty nurseries provide the greatest variety of Mandevilla and its close relative, Dipladenia, including rare colors or newly introduced cultivars. These sellers ship directly from their growing facilities, often located in warmer climates like Florida. Purchasing online allows access to specific growth habits, like the shrub-like Dipladenia varieties, which may be harder to find locally.
Seasonal Availability and Timing
Since this tropical species cannot tolerate cold temperatures or frost, Mandevilla plants are sold seasonally in most temperate regions outside of USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11, appearing from late spring until mid-summer. The optimal time to purchase and plant Mandevilla outdoors is only after the last expected spring frost has passed and when nighttime temperatures consistently remain above 50°F (10°C).
Acquiring the plant too early, when temperatures are still cool, can stunt its growth and delay blooming, as it thrives in heat. Gardeners in frost-free regions, such as the deep South or California, can find Mandevilla plants available nearly year-round. For the majority of gardeners treating it as an annual, the primary window for purchase is between May and June, coinciding with the safe planting period.
Selecting the Right Plant
Inspecting a potential Mandevilla purchase involves looking closely at the foliage, structure, and roots to confirm health. The leaves should be a uniform, deep green color without significant yellowing, especially toward the center, which can indicate stress or nutrient deficiency. Check the undersides of the leaves and stem joints for signs of pests, such as sticky residue or tiny webbing, which may indicate spider mites or aphids.
Note the growth habit; a vining Mandevilla (Mandevilla sanderi) will have long, flexible stems intended to climb a trellis, while Dipladenia varieties are bushier and more compact. Gently check the drainage holes for roots; healthy roots should appear firm and white, not mushy or dark brown, which signals potential root rot. Selecting a plant with a mix of open flowers and unopened buds suggests the plant is actively growing and will provide a sustained period of bloom.