Sun Parasol® Pretty Pretty Pink Mandevilla

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: For the most prolific "Pretty Pink" blooms, give this Mandevilla at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can handle partial shade in the hot afternoon, you will likely see fewer flowers and slightly more vine growth at the expense of color.
• Soil: These plants love rich, well-draining soil that mimics a tropical environment. If you have heavy clay that holds too much water, mix in some organic compost or perlite to improve aeration and prevent root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first few weeks after planting, check the soil daily and water whenever the top inch feels dry to ensure the root system anchors properly. Once established, this Mandevilla is surprisingly drought-tolerant, but inconsistent watering will cause the lower leaves to yellow and drop. To keep the flowering cycle moving, aim for deep waterings that saturate the root ball rather than frequent, shallow sprinkles.

Pruning Tips

Since Sun Parasol® Mandevillas bloom on new growth, you should prune them in late winter or very early spring before the vine wakes up. Use sharp shears to head back long, leggy stems, which encourages the plant to branch out and create more "wood" for flowers. Think of it like a haircut that stimulates a growth spurt; the more tips you have, the more pink trumpets you will enjoy in the summer.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with a slightly higher middle number (phosphorus) every two weeks during the active growing season to fuel those nonstop blooms. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or early fall. Too much nitrogen at that stage tells the plant to keep producing soft, green leaves instead of hardening off for the cooler months, making it more susceptible to stress.