Dipladenia Diamantina Jade Red - Rocktrumpet

Dipladenia Diamantina Jade Red, like all the Mandevilla in the excellent Diamantina series, will work wonders in pots and hanging baskets. This compact little vine boasts a slightly trailing bushy habit. It bears large star-shaped flowers in a vibrant red that continuously renew themselves on beautiful dark green foliage from summer until the first frosts. The Diamantina dipladenia plants are generous but sensitive, and will easily survive the winter behind a bay window, in a bright veranda, or a lightly heated greenhouse, accompanying you for many years.

Mandevilla, named in honour of diplomat and gardener Henry Mandeville, are fast-growing climbing plants, mostly native to the tropical forests of Serra de Orgaos, near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Growing at high altitudes, these plants thrive in temperate climates, free from frost, in partial shade or filtered light in summer. They belong to the Apocynaceae family, just like periwinkles and oleanders. In the 1970s, Robert Lannes, a French horticulturist based in Tarn et Garonne, was the first to be interested in hybridising these plants with immense potential, among which Mandevilla sanderi stands out. Years of research and selection have resulted in particularly floriferous, more compact varieties with various colours. They are easy to grow by amateur gardeners.

The Diamantina series, derived from Mandevilla sanderi (among others), produces small plants that are ideal for pot cultivation. They stand out with their wide range of colours, which includes somewhat unique shades.

Diamantina Jade Red develops short, woody, voluble stems at the base that hang gracefully. It will reach an average size of 40cm (16in) in all directions, with a rapid growth rate. Its beautiful flowers measure 6cm (2in) in diameter. They consist of 5 large, slightly pointed lobes that overlap like helicopter blades. Grouped in small clusters, they bloom continuously from May to the first frost. The dark green evergreen foliage is composed of small entire leaves, arranged in an opposite manner. 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 possesses both fine roots and large tuberous roots that contain starch and water, helping the plant to withstand drought fairly well.

Mandevilla is often used for decorating pergolas and trellises on patios and balconies, alone or in a mix of colours. This heat-resistant and water-efficient variety is best suited for a large decorative pot placed in isolation. It will also look beautiful in a hanging basket or a container, placed on a sunny patio or balcony. It will look wonderful with the Jade Rose variety, the dark-blue flowers of Plumbago capensis, black-eyed Susans, and passionflowers. It can be planted directly in the ground in well-drained soil. However, this is only possible in mild regions without frost.