| I purchased this plant this Spring and the tag on it said that it was a Mandevilla. It is a vine with large pink, very fragrant trumpet shaped flowers. Several people that have seen the plant have told me that it is really an Allamanda, as they say that Mandevilla does not have any fragrance. Can you help. What the heck is it? Here in zone 5 Ohio, what is best method of care and feeding? It is still growing great, even though I have brought it in for the winter. I have not fed it since I purchased. Assume not to feed in the winter. Is this correct, even though it is still flowering? If so, what to feed in the Spring? |
| Allamanda cathartica, or Golden Trumpet, comes in two varieties (grandiflora with pale yellow flowers, and hendersonii with red buds and yellow flowers). The genus Mandevilla includes plants that were formerly known as Dipladenia. These plants are indoor or greenhouse plants. The cultivars Alice du Pont, splendens, and amabilis are twining vines producing pure pink flowers. Mandevilla boliviensis produces white flowers with yellow throats, M. laxa produces very fragrant white flowers. So, Mandevilla produces pink flowers and most have a fragrance, although it is more pronounced in M. laxa. Based upon your description, I'd vote for your having Mandevilla. Provide your plant with ample water and bright light while it's actively growing. Don't fertilize until the flush of new growth in the spring. Use a diluted solution of liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the spring and summer. |
