Allamanda and Mandevilla: Indignant that you would even confuse them.
Allamanda and Mandevilla are basically the same plant, right? No way, and they can’t believe you would even say that. If you look past your first immediate impressions — bright yellow blooms, viney stems, rich-green leaves — you’ll see obvious differences that you’ll wonder why you didn’t spot before.
Allamanda
Allamanda, also known as Trumpet Flower, has larger flowers. Stems are more upright and woodier. Leaves are more pointed. You’ll often see Allamanda grown as a wide shrub (hence the name Bush Allamanda) which can be kept at about five feet high. Or, you can train several to serve as a stunning hedge or a shorter groundcover. Allamanda has also been known to leap up to 10 feet or more on a fence or over a trellis for a stunning visual impact. It insists on full sun, and when you oblige, it will happily bloom for you off and on all year, taking a short break during winter.
Mandevilla
Mandevilla belongs to the Dipladenia genus and has more of a wild attitude, endearing itself to residents who prefer a more natural look. This viney shrub loves to intertwine its medium-size flowers over and over again, threading them through shiny green leaves and letting them circle out with carefree style. You can trim back as needed, with a harder trim recommended in late March or early April (but don’t go crazy). This evergreen is an absolute standout when planted around lamp posts, mailboxes or pergolas. Unlike Allamanda, it will tolerate a little bit of shade but prefers full sun.
Allamanda and Mandevilla: Both good choices.
So, what’s your pleasure? Your choice between Allamanda and Mandevilla will depend on what kind of overall plant material your designer is recommending for your landscape renovation. And that’s where ArtisTree can help out. Contact us at 941.488.8897, ext. 312, to meet with one of our award-winning designers. Let’s get your dream landscape project off the ground.
Contact ArtisTree Landscape 941.488.8897
The award-winning designers at ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design are eager to meet with you! Contact Jenni Lassen to get your design plan started at 941.488.8897 or jennil@artistree.com. ArtisTree is nationally ranked and proudly serves Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and South Hillsborough counties. Need an HOA landscape maintenance proposal? Contact Mike Casper at mikec@artistree.com.
