Alice Dupont Mandevilla

Plant Overview

Alice Dupont Mandevilla (Mandevilla ‘Alice du Pont’) is a beautiful tropical flowering vine known for its large, trumpet-shaped pink blossoms, glossy dark green foliage, and vigorous climbing growth habit. Its abundant flowers create a striking display throughout the warmer months, adding vibrant color and tropical elegance to Florida landscapes. This attractive evergreen vine grows beautifully along trellises, fences, arbors, and pergolas, where its twining stems can climb and spread naturally. Well suited to Florida's warm climate, Alice Dupont Mandevilla thrives in sunny locations and provides long-lasting seasonal color. Its showy blooms, lush foliage, and versatile growth make it an excellent choice for residential gardens, patios, and decorative landscape features.

Key Plant Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Mandevilla ‘Alice du Pont’ (often listed as Mandevilla splendens ‘Alice Dupont’)

• Common Names: Alice Dupont Mandevilla, Pink Mandevilla

• Mature Height: Approximately 10–20 feet when supported, depending on growing conditions

• Mature Spread: Varies depending on available support and pruning

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast-growing

• Growth Habit: Vigorous, climbing, twining tropical vine

• Foliage: Large, glossy, deep green, oval-shaped evergreen leaves

• Flowers: Large, trumpet-shaped pink blooms with slightly deeper pink centers

• Blooming Season: Spring through fall, with occasional year-round flowering in frost-free areas

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10–11 for reliable outdoor perennial growth

• Florida Growing Zones: Best suited to Zones 10–11 in South Florida and warmer coastal areas; can be grown in North and Central Florida with appropriate cold protection

• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

• Special Features: Tropical flowering vine, attractive glossy foliage, extended blooming season, and excellent for trellises, arbors, fences, and decorative containers

Plant Care Guide

• Sunlight: Plant in full sun for the healthiest growth and most abundant flowering. Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Locations with insufficient sunlight may produce fewer blooms and less vigorous growth.

• Watering: Water regularly after planting to establish a healthy root system. During active growth and flowering, provide consistent moisture while allowing the upper layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid prolonged waterlogged conditions, which can damage roots.

• Soil: Prefers fertile, well-draining soil and adapts to various soil types, including Florida's sandy soils. Incorporating organic matter can help improve moisture retention while maintaining proper drainage.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the active growing season to encourage healthy foliage and abundant flowering. Container-grown plants may benefit from occasional supplemental feeding according to fertilizer directions.

• Pruning: Trim stems periodically to maintain the desired size and shape. Pruning helps encourage branching and promotes fuller growth near the base of the plant. Train young vines along a trellis or other sturdy support to guide their climbing habit.

• Cold Protection: Alice Dupont Mandevilla is sensitive to freezing temperatures and grows best outdoors year-round in USDA Zones 10–11. In North and Central Florida, protect plants during cold snaps or grow them in containers that can be moved to a sheltered location during winter.

• Pests & Diseases: Generally resistant to serious pest and disease problems, although mealybugs and scale insects may occasionally appear. Inspect foliage regularly and maintain appropriate watering and drainage to promote healthy growth.

• Additional Care Tips: Provide a sturdy trellis, arbor, fence, or other climbing structure to support mature growth. Space plants approximately 3–5 feet apart when planting multiple vines. The plant produces a milky sap that may irritate sensitive skin, so wear gloves when pruning and avoid ingestion.