One of the most reliabe of all of the cultivars Mandevilla x amabilis ‘Alice du pont’ with its attractive pink flowers has many desirable characteristics.
This is not a climber that turns rampant, so maintenance is fairly easy. This is an evergreen twining climber, flowers will last around a week and Mandevilla Alice dupont will repeat flower.
All Mandevillas are originally from South America and do like a warm climate, or at least a warm position. They do not like cold wet winters.
In Australia they are reliable from Sydney to North Queensland in all but ranges where winters can get a little cold. The warmer the climate the more shade, and even in the southern states some protection from the hoy afternoon sun is recommended
They also grow well in Victoria and South Australia as long as they are in a warm sunny position, well drained in winter. However they can decide to die back in cold winters, to bounce back in spring.
Where to grow
Mandevilla ‘Alice du pont’ looks great growing on a fence, a trellis or allowed to climb over a shed. Yes you can grow ‘Alice dupont’ in a container,so it could be grown in a courtyard or on a balcony, it will need a trellis of some sort.
- humus rich soil
- sunny position, with protection from hot afternoon sun in summer
- water well in dry or very hot conditions
- can reach 5m high, but easily pruned.
Care
Very little care other than pruning in spring to remove any growth damaged in the winter or to maintain a more shrubby / bushy habit.
Fertilize with a slow release type fertilizer in spring, mulch well to maintain a cool root run and water with some liquid seaweed fertilizer every month for great flowers.