Alice du Pont

Members of the Apocynaceae, or Dogbane family, Mandevillas are native to central and South America. Named after Henry Mandeville (1773-1861), a keen gardener and member of the British Foreign Office in Argentina,they are fast growing woody climbers, with trumpet shaped pink or white flowers which are sometimes perfumed.

Mandevilla x amabilis 'Alice du Pont'is an outstanding garden climber, but it's not too vigorous, and it won't pull a trellis down with excessive weight.

Plant details

Common name: Mandevilla, Chilean jasmine
Botanic name: Mandevilla x amabilis 'Alice du Pont'
Description: Twining climber which spreads to about 4m (12'). The leaves are oval shaped and glossy, and large deep pink flowers with yellow throats are produced throughout the warmer months.
Best climate: Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and the tropics.
Best look: attractive flowering climber for a fence or trellis
Good points: flowers throughout the warmer months of the year beautiful musk-stick pink flower with a yellow throat very well behaved climber, with no real vices. In cool areas such as Melbourne select a warm, sunny spot and protect from frosts.
Downside: sulks in winter susceptible to root rot
Care: Mandevillas like a warm position, with protection from very hot sun. The roots are sensitive and resent disturbance, and it's important not to overwater in winter, as they don't like 'wet feet'. Prune in late winter to early spring to promote bushy growth. In case of pest attack, a pyrethrum spray can be used.

Cost and availability

Mandevilla x amabilis 'Alice du Pont' is available at nurseries and garden centres. The average cost for 175mm (7") sized pots is $8.95, while 200mm (8") pots are around $15-$18.

Copyright CTC Productions 1999