Mandevilla splendens, of the Apocynaceae family, is a woody vine that produces beautiful pink funnel shaped flowers and lush leathery dark green leaves that grow about six inches long. It is native to Brazil.

In the Virginia Garden, the flowering vine does best in a patio container and blooms from late July until mid fall. The Mandevilla splendens appears to be pest free and fast growing. It winters indoors in the dormant state with a little light and minimal water.

This vine climbs by twining around a support. It requires mechanical training to follow a trellis.

Propagation is by stem cuttings taken in early spring.