Chilean jasmine Mandevilla 'Rio' pink including decorative black pot

Mandevilla is a climber that will thrive in a large pot on the patio or decking. Choose a pot or planter with holes in the base and cover the bottom with a layer of potsherds or gravel to help with the drainage. Fill the pot with a planting medium that contains equal amounts of normal potting compost, coarse sand and peat. Place the root ball at the right depth, fill the pot and press firmly down. The Mandevilla enjoys a position where it is fairly sunny in the mornings with afternoon shade. Combining Mandevilla Chilean Jasmine is capable of climbing from the ground along a fence or any climbing support. It combines beautifully with the passion flower (Passiflora).

Chilean Jasmine requires plenty of water. Rainwater is preferred since it contains less lime. The soil must remain fairly moist but not wet. On hot summer days, it needs to be watered daily. During the summer, frequently add Phostrogen plant food when watering your Mandevilla.

As the Mandevilla requires a high level of humidity, we recommend regularly spraying the whole plant with a hose. Tie the shoots into the climbing support. Trim back long stems that are growing above the climbing frame or train them to grow back down. After the flowering period, cut back the shoots to about half their length. Keeping Mandevilla through winter In autumn, cut the long stems off the plant and water less often. The Mandevilla is not a hardy plant, but it can be moved indoors for protection from frost. Keep the root ball on the dry side during winter. In spring, repot and water more frequently. In mid-May the Chilean Jasmine is able to be left outside day and night.

The Mandevilla is one of the best patio plants. Chilean Jasmine is a climber from Brazil with beautiful, exotic flowers. With proper care, the vines can grow up to 3 metres high. The subtly scented flowers appear from summer until late autumn.

The flowers are easily recognised as a member of the Apogynaceae family (commonly known as dogbane). The glossy, dark green leaves are also very decorative.