Featured plant: Mandevilla

Mandevilla has beautiful large flowers on a climbing vine that blooms until fall, making it the featured plant at Lavalette Nursery and Garden Center.

A native of South America, it was named after the 18th century British diplomat and gardener Henry Mandeville and is sometimes called Brazilian jasmine. This tropical is treated as an annual in the Tri-State.

Birds, bees and butterflies are attracted to its pink or red flowers. Grow it in a tub, hanging basket or in the ground on a trellis. It requires a sunny location but tolerates partial shade.

Mandavillas need a well-drained soil with humus added as these plants can be very sensitive to over-watering. Allow plants to dry between waterings. When you water, make sure you water thoroughly and slowly.

Since it is such a vigorous vine and flower producer, it needs small doses of fertilizer every two to three weeks. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.