Secrets Of Producting Sun Parasol Mandevillas

Sun Parasol Mandevillas

Sun Parasol is the brand for a completely new collection of mandevilla hybrids, an entirely new group of varieties obtained by cross-breeding. The genus mandevilla has many subgroups, including sanderi, boliviensis and amoena, which are all known for their climbing or trailing properties. Until recently, sanderi was the leading variety in North America. However, the market for mandevilla has changed dramatically with the arrival of Sun Parasol. The popular Crimson varieties are the first that stay true to color. The new ‘Sun Parasol Garden Crimson’ is capturing a lot of attention as the first bedding plant mandevilla.

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Sun Parasol mandevillas are classified into four groups:

• The Originals come in Crimson, Pink, Cream Pink, Dark Red and White with bushy, compact growth and medium-sized flowers. Exciting novelties – Stars & Stripes, Lush Crimson and Burgundy – are available in limited supply. Plants have good branching, neat foliage and are natural climbers suitable for pots, hanging baskets, balconies or as bedding plants and house plants.

• The Giants are available in White, Pink, Crimson and Carmine King. They have a vigorous growing habit, coarse foliage and are natural climbers suitable for patios, balconies and as house plants in sunny areas. They are the classic mandevilla.

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• The Pretty group, which comes in Pink and Crimson, is distinguished by superior branching and vigorous growth. It can be grown as a traditional pot plant, even in 4- and 6-inch pots. Flower size is the same as the Original group but foliage is glossy, thinner and more vining. Plants are natural climbers suitable for hanging baskets, patios and balconies.

• The Garden group begins with Garden Crimson. These plants are uniquely positioned for quart pots and will finish in 14 weeks. Plant in masses in beds, containers and baskets. No trellises are needed for support.

General Culture

Mandevillas are long-day plants. Buds are initiated with 10-11 hour days for the Pretty type and the Originals. The Giant group will flower with 12-hour days. Varieties in each group vary depending on the color. Ideal growing temperature is 65-75ËšF the first two to three weeks after potting. Keep plants on the dry side to encourage roots to grow out of the plug quickly. Temperature can then be lowered to 65-70ËšF. Lower temperatures can be used, but plants will take longer.

Initial potting should take place in a 4-to 5-inch pot. Growing media should have a pH between 5.0 and 5.5. Depending on the time of year, three to four weeks after potting, the leading shoot will begin to grow quickly. The plant will then require a pinch to encourage a bushy habit. Two types of pinches can be carried out:

Method 1 – This type of pinch is a soft pinch, where you will leave at least four pairs of leaves and get fewer breaks and take these up for training. Pinching is done higher.

Method 2 – This method is for short, compact plants. Regular pinching is required once the desired height has been achieved. This will encourage a bushy and dense plant for a nice finish and earlier sale.

Watering

Watering is critical and a dry regime is more suited than a wet one, where plants can become prone to root diseases. Too dry and there will be a problem with nutrient uptake. It is best to water lightly and often. The best way to control growth is with water retention, especially with the white-colored varieties.

Pests & Diseases

Monitor for whiteflies, western flower thrips, aphids, red spider mites, fungus gnats, shore flies and mealy bugs. Diseases to prevent are Botrytis, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, Cylindrocarpen (root rot),  Cercospora (leaf spot) and Colletrotichum (leaf spot).

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Avatar for Joan Heminger Joan Heminger says:

I brought a sun parasol mandevilla in the house last fall. Eventually it quit blooming but is still living. Will it bloom again this summer. Is it possible to start new plants from one. Thank you

Avatar for Gigi Gigi says:

Hello , I’ve owned and grown sun parasols for years . yes , they will bloom again. slowly introduced them back outside on your patio (spring when frost has long gone) . Just keep the same water routine as usual until the pot is slightly dryer than wet than of course we all know in the summer water as needed to keep from killing the plant . You should see blooms soon oh and just so you know my sun parasols usually have 30-50 blooms at a time I use fertilizer steaks (“jobes 13-4-5 for house plants”) and they work great 10 in pot use one steak

Avatar for Mary Mary says:

Only 1 stake in a pot? Thanks

Avatar for Joan Joan says:

My Star & Strip Sun Parasol mandevillas seems like it has many buds but do not fully open. I just had one solid red one open and others that are striped look small and have not fully opened. I have not fertilized it yet I gave it B1 in March 2015. I live in San Jose CA. I’m very concerned as to why the many buds do not appear to open and looks like it dries up. I have this plant growing on a trellis.

Avatar for shirley siewert shirley siewert says:

I love my Sun Parasols. They look like flowers from California. They are already making vines and more flowers.

Avatar for Nola Bullimore Nola Bullimore says:

I live in Kansas, how do I winterize my sun parasol mandevilla plant?

Avatar for G G says:

Bring them inside. Lol

Avatar for Connee Balch Connee Balch says:

I have raised sun parasol mandevilla a number of years in hanging baskets. Last year the blooms did not fully open. This year they are seeming to do the same. Is there something I can do to encourage their beautiful full blooms?