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| Category: Vine |
| Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbanes & Milkweeds) |
| Origin: Argentina (South America) |
| Flower Color: White |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Fragrant Flowers: Yes |
| Synonyms: [Mandevilla suaveolens] |
| Height: Climbing (Vine) |
| Width: Spreading |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 10-15° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Mandevilla laxa (Chilean Jasmine) - A moderately fast growing semi-deciduous slender-stemmed twining vine that grows to 12 feet or more wide and high with support and develops a succulent subterranean caudex. It has luxurious 6 inch long bright green glossy leaves with a long tapering point and an abundance of fragrant white flowers in summer months – foliage can be a bit sparse and spotted when not in vigorous growth. The tubular flowers are 2 inches long and flare open to 2 ½ inches wide with what is described as a heady vanilla aroma most pronounced in the evening. Some seem not to be able to smell it at all - we find the fragrance to be sweet like a gardenia but not powerfull - you may need to sniff the flower to detect the fragrance. The flowers are followed by pairs of long bean-like fruit pods - these fruit and the fragrance cause some to call this plant the vanilla bean vine though it certainly should not be used in cooking. Plant in full to part sun (blooms best in full sun) and water occasionally to regularly. Tolerates most soils and is root hardy to at least 12° F (we have seen claims to below 0° F) and is deciduous in most California gardens as temperatures near freezing. Prune in late winter prior to new growth and watch for aphids on the flower buds. We fist offered this plant in 1985 but discontinued growing it in 1996 due to lackluster sales and to make room for other plants. We have put this plant back in production after receiving several requests to grow this wonderful plant again. This plant is native to Argentina and Bolivia, though for some reason, it is commonly called Chilean Jasmine. The name Mandevilla laxa (Ruiz & Pav.) Woodson is a basionym of Echites laxa Ruiz & Pav. with synonyms including Amblyanthera suaveolens and Mandevilla suaveolens.
This information about Mandevilla laxa displayed is based on research conducted in our library and from reliable online resources. We will also note observations that we have made about it as it grows in the gardens in our nursery and those elsewhere, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others, and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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