Mandevilla, Tropical Merlot

Plant name: Mandevilla Tropical Merlot

Scientific name: Mandevilla ‘Tropical Merlot’

Plant description:
Mandevilla Tropical Merlot is a vigorous tropical flowering vine known for its deep red blooms and glossy foliage. This twining plant climbs quickly on trellises, arbors, and vertical supports, producing continuous color through the warm season. It performs well in containers and landscape beds where strong vertical growth is desired.

Flower description:
Large, trumpet-shaped flowers emerge in rich merlot-red tones with a slightly darker throat. Blooms measure 3–4 inches across and appear in clusters along actively growing stems. Flowering begins in late spring and continues through summer into early fall under warm conditions.

Leaf description:
Leaves are oval to slightly elongated, thick, and glossy with a deep green surface. Foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season and provides a dense backdrop for the bold flowers.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Evergreen in frost-free climates; grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in colder regions.

USDA grow zones:
Zones 9–11 outdoors; grown as a seasonal container plant in cooler zones.

Mature height and width:
6–10 feet tall with support; 2–4 feet wide.

Landscape uses:
Ideal for trellises, arbors, pergolas, fences, and large patio containers. Suitable for creating vertical privacy screens, framing entryways, and adding strong summer color to decks and balconies. Performs well as a focal point in tropical-style plantings.

Native range:
Mandevilla species are native to Central and South America. ‘Tropical Merlot’ is a cultivated hybrid selection.

Sun exposure:
Full sun to light afternoon shade. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily promotes strong flowering. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade can reduce stress.

Water requirements:
Prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Avoid allowing the plant to sit in saturated soil. Container-grown plants may require more frequent watering during peak heat.

Pests and problems:
Common pests include spider mites, whiteflies, aphids, and mealybugs. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Reduced flowering may result from insufficient sunlight or excess nitrogen fertilizer.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Performs well in high heat and strong summer sun when properly watered. Established plants tolerate brief dry periods but maintain best flowering with consistent moisture.

Cold tolerance:
Not frost tolerant. Damage occurs below 45°F. In regions with freezing winters, move container plants indoors before frost or treat as a seasonal annual.

Growing tips:
Provide a sturdy trellis or vertical support at planting time to guide climbing stems. Feed regularly during active growth with a bloom-supporting fertilizer to encourage continuous flowering. Pinch lightly early in the season to promote branching and fuller growth. Ensure excellent drainage in containers by using a high-quality potting mix and a container with drainage holes.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

, Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.