Collection of 3 Dipladenia Diamantina Jade

This collection is composed of 3 Dipladenia (Mandevilla) Diamantina Jade, which are distinguished by their compact habit, more bushy than climbing, their remarkable floriferousness from June until the first frosts, and their resistance to heat. These 3 highly versatile varieties also offer beautiful star-shaped flowers in vibrant and unusual colours, full of dynamism: a scarlet red, a pure white with a small orange centre, and a very bright pink highlighted with dark pink veins. The 'Diamantina' series Dipladenia are generous but delicate plants that will easily survive the winter season behind a bay window, in a bright conservatory or a lightly heated greenhouse, and will keep you company for many years.

Mandevillas, named in honour of diplomat and gardener Henry Mandeville, are fast-growing climbing plants, mostly native to the tropical forests of the Serra de Orgaos, near Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Growing at high altitudes, these tropical plants thrive in temperate climates, spared from frost, in partial shade or filtered summer sun. In the 1970s Robert Lannes, a French horticulturist based in Tarn et Garonne, was the first to take an interest in hybridising these plants with their immense potential. Years of research and selection have resulted in particularly floriferous varieties, more compact, with varied colours, easy to cultivate for amateur gardeners. The Diamantina series of Dipladenia, bred and selected in France, is one of the most recent achievements.

The Jade series Diamantina have a bushy habit, but can be trained as miniature climbing plants. The twining stems, woody at the base, easily wrap around any support provided to them. These plants will reach an average size of 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20in) in all directions, with the Scarlet variety showing more climbing growth than the other two. Their growth is fast. Their beautiful large flowers, 6cm (2in) in diameter, are composed of 5 large lobes that overlap like the blades of a propeller. Grouped in small clusters, they bloom continuously from May to the first frosts. The evergreen and leathery foliage is composed of small entire leaves, dark green, arranged in an opposite pattern. The thick and leathery lamina, oval to elliptical in shape, measures 5 to 6cm (2in) in length and has a shiny upper surface. This plant has fine roots as well as large tuberous roots, true storage organs that contain starch and water, allowing the plant to withstand drought quite well.

Mandevilla is often used for ornamenting terraces, balconies or patios, to fill a pergola or trellis, alone or in a mix of colours. The Diamantina Jade series plants, resistant to heat and drought, are capable of forming beautiful bushy clumps well suited for container gardening. They can be placed on the terrace or balcony during the warm season or in a patio, even exposed to full sun. They can be combined with e.g. a dark blue Plumbago capensis, black-eyed susans, Hardenbergia violacea, abutilons, or passionflowers. Planting in open ground, in lightened soil, should be reserved for regions spared from frost.

Please note: our young plug plants are professional products reserved for experienced gardeners. Upon receipt, transplant and store them under shelter (conservatory, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks, before being installed outdoors once all risk of frost has passed.