Mandevilla is a popular climbing vine grown for its large, vibrantly colored flowers. Its tropical look makes it a favorite to use in garden beds, containers and hanging baskets. Two of the main pollinators that mandevilla attracts are hummingbirds and butterflies. Understanding how to maximize its appeal to these pollinators can help any gardener get the most out of their mandevilla vines.
Does Mandevilla Attract Hummingbirds?
Yes, mandevilla is an excellent plant for attracting hummingbirds to the garden. There are a few key reasons why hummingbirds are drawn to mandevilla:
- Brightly colored tubular flowers – Hummingbirds are highly attracted to brightly colored tubular flowers, especially shades of red, pink and orange. Mandevilla produces flowers that perfectly fit the bill with their vibrant trumpet-shaped blooms in shades like crimson red, pink, yellow and more.
- Continuous flowering – Hummingbirds need a constant nectar source during the seasons they are active. Mandevilla is a nearly nonstop bloomer when grown in appropriate climates, producing flowers from spring through fall. This provides a reliable food source for hummingbirds.
- High nectar content – The tubular flowers of mandevilla contain a high volume of nectar, which helps attract and nourish hummingbirds. The abundant nectar, along with the bright colors and tubular shape, make mandevilla flowers a favorite food source.
- Native range overlap – Mandevilla is native to tropical regions of Central and South America, which overlap the migration and year-round ranges of many hummingbird species. Their shared habitat makes mandevilla a natural attractant.
By providing the features hummingbirds seek, such as a high volume of nectar and nearly continuous blooms, mandevilla reliably brings these tiny birds close in gardens.
Does Mandevilla Attract Butterflies?
Yes, butterflies are also attracted to mandevilla for many of the same reasons as hummingbirds. Features that draw butterflies to mandevilla include:
- Brightly colored flowers – Like hummingbirds, butterflies use color vision to seek out nectar sources. The eye-catching reds, pinks and yellows of mandevilla blooms are a visual signal to butterflies that food is nearby.
- Abundant nectar – Butterflies drink nectar from flowers for energy. The tubular blooms of mandevilla provide them with plenty of nectar to sip.
- Continuous blooms – Butterflies need nectar throughout the seasons they are active. The extended flowering of mandevilla from spring to fall supplies them with the food they need.
- Landing platform – The large, sturdy flowers provide an excellent landing platform where butterflies can comfortably feed. The blooms hold the weight of butterflies easily.
- Native range – Mandevilla’s tropical origins make it a natural food source for many butterfly species that share its native habitat.
In addition to drinking nectar from the flowers, butterflies may lay their eggs on mandevilla vines as a host plant for their caterpillars. The abundant flowers and hospitable structure make mandevilla an excellent attractant for butterflies.
Best Types of Mandevilla for Attracting Hummingbirds and Butterflies
While all varieties of mandevilla attract hummingbirds and butterflies, some types are especially effective for bringing in more of these pollinators. The best mandevilla varieties to choose include:
| Mandevilla Variety | Features |
|---|---|
| Alice du Pont | – Prolific bloomer |
| Red Riding Hood | – Vibrant red flowers |
| Pink Parasol | – Dense pink blooms |
| Sun Parasol Garden Crimson | – Rich crimson-red flowers |
As the table shows, varieties known for their dense, intensely colored blooms tend to be the most reliable for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Other excellent choices include Sun Parasol Stars & Stripes, Jamaican Forget-Me-Not and Sundaville Red.
Where to Plant Mandevilla to Maximize Attracting Hummingbirds and Butterflies
Proper placement in the garden can encourage even more pollinator visits to mandevilla. Consider these tips:
- Plant where visible – Choose visible spots in borders or containers where the vines get noticed. Avoid tucking mandevilla in obscure corners or letting other plants hide the flowers.
- Site near feeders – Placing mandevilla near hummingbird feeders or butterfly nectar feeders promotes more traffic as pollinators move between food sources.
- Use in mixed beds – Incorporate mandevilla into beds with other hummingbird and butterfly attracting plants. The diversity draws in more pollinators.
- Add mulch – Mulching around plants helps retain moisture so the vines bloom vigorously. More abundant blooms equal more pollinator visits.
- Include water feature – A small water feature or fountain provides pollinators with another reason to linger around the mandevilla vines and visit the flowers.
Taking advantage of synergies by planting near complementary plants and water sources results in the highest pollinator activity.
When and How to Prune Mandevilla for Maximum Blooms
Timely pruning is key to keeping mandevilla flowering nonstop. Follow these tips:
- Prune in late winter or early spring as plants emerge from dormancy and begin actively growing. Remove dead stems and shape vines.
- Pinch off spent blooms during the growing season to promote continuous reblooming. Deadheading directs energy into new flower production.
- Cut back any overly long stems midseason to encourage bushiness and branching for more flower-bearing stems.
- Toward the end of the growing season, cut vines back by 1/3 to 1/2. This pruning rejuvenates growth and sets the stage for abundant spring blooms.
Avoid heavy pruning that removes too much growth. Aggressive cutting back stresses the vines and results in reduced flowering. Timely, moderate pruning is the key to prolific blooms.
Providing Optimal Care for Maximum Mandevilla Blooms
In addition to proper pruning, mandevilla needs the right care to bloom prolifically. Here are the keys:
- Sunlight – Plant in full sun to light shade. Mandevilla thrives with at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Soil – Rich, well-draining soil is ideal. Amend planting sites with compost to improve drainage and nutrients if needed.
- Water – Water thoroughly then allow soil to partially dry out between waterings. Provide 1-1.5 inches per week.
- Fertilizer – Feed every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a blooming houseplant fertilizer or one formulated for tomatoes.
- Support – Provide a strong support structure for the vining stems. Trellises, arbors and cages work well.
- Temperature – Enjoy outdoors in warm weather above 50°F. Bring indoors or protect below 40°F.
Meeting its requirements for sunlight, water, nutrition and ideal temperatures ensures vigorous, prolific flowering.
Companion Plants to Increase Pollinator Visits
Planting mandevilla together with other pollinator-friendly plants leads to more activity as different flowers attract visitors. Top companion plants include:
- Bee balm
- Salvia
- Butterfly bush
- Zinnias
- Fuchsia
- Verbena
- Petunias
- Lantana
- Pentas
- Sage
Choose plants with successive bloom times so there are different flowers in each season. Also look for plants with complementary colors to create an attractive pollinator habitat.
Using Mandevilla as a Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden Accent
With its exotic tropical flair, mandevilla makes a beautiful accent in beds and containers designed to attract pollinators. Try using it:
- In containers – Grow mandevilla in hanging baskets or potted arrangements paired with other pollinator plants like verbena, petunias or fuchsia.
- On fences and arbors – Train vines over garden fences or arbors to create focal points of colorful blooms.
- In raised beds – Include as a thriller plant in raised beds surrounded by flowering herbs, annuals or perennials.
- By garden structures – Grow up lamp posts, benches, obelisks and other structures to add vertical color.
- In pollinator gardens – Add mandevilla as a striking backdrop for beds designed to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
With its tropical vibe and nonstop blooms, mandevilla steals the show while also feeding pollinator visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors of mandevilla attract hummingbirds the most?
Red and pink colored mandevilla flowers attract hummingbirds the most. Varieties like Alice du Pont, Red Riding Hood and Sun Parasol Garden Crimson in deep reds and pinks are top choices for hummingbirds.
Should I deadhead spent mandevilla flowers?
Yes, deadheading is important for continuous blooming. It redirects the plant’s energy into producing more flowers instead of seeds. Snip off spent blooms as soon as they fade.
Where is the best place to plant mandevilla?
Grow mandevilla in a spot that receives full sun to light shade for at least 5 hours per day. Choice locations include garden beds, containers, window boxes and adjacent to garden structures like arbors and trellises.
Does mandevilla come back every year?
Mandevilla is not cold hardy. It is grown as an annual in climates with cold winters. The vines cannot withstand freezing temperatures and will die back when exposed to frost.
What is the best fertilizer for mandevilla?
Use a blooming houseplant fertilizer or one formulated for tomatoes to feed container-grown mandevilla every 2-3 weeks in the growing season. Apply as directed on the fertilizer packaging.
Conclusion
With its brightly colored, tubular flowers and nearly nonstop bloom time, mandevilla is highly attractive to both hummingbirds and butterflies. Planting in full sun, providing adequate water and nutrition, and pruning properly will maximize blooms to draw in more of these helpful pollinators. Combine mandevilla with other hummingbird and butterfly favorites for even greater activity. Its versatility also makes it easy to incorporate as an eye-catching accent in beds, containers and vertical gardens designed to attract these desirable garden visitors.
