What Is the Hardiness of a Brazilian Mandevilla?

Acknowledging Brazilian Roots

• Native to South America, as its name suggests, Brazilian mandevilla originated in the region southeast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For year-round flowering, the vine's tender Brazilian beginnings demand a comparable climate. Grown in the ground in USDA zones 10 and 11, Brazilian mandevilla remains evergreen and bears blooms all winter long. In typical USDA zone 8b and 9 winters, Brazilian mandevilla overwinters successfully when planted safe in the ground and protected with a heavy layer of winter mulch. A protected southern exposure works best. With this extra care, the vine dies back to the soil each winter but comes back vigorously from the roots in spring.

Fitting Culture to Climate

• True to its tropical nature, Brazilian mandevilla thrives in full sun and heat. Shade and cool temperatures result in less flowering and reduced vigor overall, although the vine appreciates protection from the sun's intense midday rays whether in containers or in the garden. Relatively pest-free and moderately salt-tolerant, Brazilian mandevilla is sensitive to overwatering and requires well-drained soil. Let the plant dry out slightly between waterings. In transitional zones such as USDA zones 8b and 9, protect foliage any time temperatures drop below 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit or vines will succumb to cold. If growing in containers, those temperatures signal it's time to move the vine indoors.

Spending Winter Indoors

• Give Brazilian mandevilla a large container with plenty of room for its roots when growing the plant in pots and overwintering inside. A warm spot with bright indirect light meets its needs. Prune the plant back to a manageable size when bringing inside, and limit water and fertilizing until late winter. At that time, increase water and begin a weekly, all-purpose fertilizer to encourage new growth. Container-grown Brazilian mandevilla can also overwinter in an unheated basement or garage that maintains temperatures of 50 degrees F or higher. When late winter arrives, bring the plant into a warm, bright area and stimulate growth again. When danger of frost passes, move the vine outdoors.

Enjoying Features and Fragrances

• With its peak of growth in summertime, Brazilian mandevilla offers profuse, continuous bloom with funnel-like flowers measuring 4 inches wide and 2 inches deep. The fragrant, pink flowers bathe the vines in blooms. Evergreen in warmer zones, the leathery dark-green leaves measure up to 8 inches in length on fuzzy vines that twine and climb 10 to 15 feet or more. If preferred, Brazilian mandevilla can be pruned into an upright, shrub-like shape. It responds with dense and bushy growth. Allowed to vine freely over a structure, it trains easily and quickly forms a dense, floriferous screen.