What is the Difference Between Dipladenia and Mandevilla

The main difference between Dipladenia and Mandevilla is that Dipladenia grows as a bush while Mandevilla grows as a vine. In addition, Dipladenia plants have smaller flowers than Mandevilla

Most people assume that Dipladenia and Mandevilla are the same plants. It’s true that Dipladenia is a type of  Mandevilla, but there are several differences between Dipladenia and Mandevilla based on their growth pattern, leaves, and flowers.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Dipladenia  
     – Definition, Features 
2. What is Mandevilla
     – Definition, Features 
3. Similarities Between Dipladenia and Mandevilla
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Dipladenia and Mandevilla
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Dipladenia, Mandevilla

What is Dipladenia

Dipladenia is a genus of tropical South American flowering plants with large multicolored racemose flowers. It belongs to the Mandevilla family but has a different growth pattern; Dipladenia grows like a bush, and its stem grows downwards, but we can also grow these plants vertically. It also has a fuller shape than Mandevilla. Moreover, Dipladenia has dark green, slightly glossy pointed leaves. It also has smaller flowers, but they are in a wide range of colors. These colorful and tube-shaped flowers often attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

Dipladenia plants are easy to grow. Since these are tropical plants, they grow best in full sun and require 6 – 8 hours of sunlight. Therefore, they are best as outdoor plants. The soil should be sandy and well-draining soil with plenty of organic materials. They also require consistent moisture.

What is Mandevilla

Mandevilla is a genus of tropical flowering vines belonging to the Apocynaceae family. It is also known as rocktrumpet. Mandevilla vines climb up vertical structures, seeking light. They are often grown in trellises that support their growth. Mandevilla leaves are longer and narrower and have a rough and textured feel. When compared to Dipladenia, Mandevilla has larger flowers. These are trumpet-shaped and have various hues like red, pink, yellow, and white. However, the most common shade of Mandevilla is red.

Since Mandevilla is a tropical plant, it requires warmer temperatures and sunlight. It cannot survive prolonged cold temperatures. During winter, it’s recommended to move the plant indoors and keep it near a window that receives sunlight.

Similarities Between Dipladenia and Mandevilla

• Dipladenia and Mandevilla are tropical plants and require warm temperatures and sunlight.
• Therefore, they grow in similar conditions.
• They are somewhat similar in appearance as they belong to the same family.
• Their flowers have a tube shape and are available in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow.
• They can survive drought conditions but not freezing temperatures.

Difference Between Dipladenia and Mandevilla

Definition

Dipladenia is a genus of tropical South American flowering plants with large multicolored racemose flowers, while Mandevilla is a genus of tropical flowering vines belonging to the family Apocynaceae.

Growth

Dipladenia grows as small bushes while Mandevilla grows as vines, climbing along trellises. Sometimes, Dipladenia can be trained to grow as a vine, but it cannot climb to the extent Mandevilla does.

Foliage

Mandevilla leaves are longer and narrower and have a smooth and leathery feel, while Dipladenia leaves are wider, have a heart shape, and feel rough and textured.

Flowers

The flowers of Dipladenia are quite smaller than the flowers of Mandevilla. Traditionally, Dipladenia produced pink flowers while Mandevilla produced red flowers. But nowadays, they are available in various hues like pink, yellow, and white.

Conclusion

The main difference between Dipladenia and Mandevilla is that Dipladenia grows as a bush while Mandevilla grows as a vine. In addition, Dipladenia plants have smaller flowers than Mandevilla plants.

Reference: 

1. “Growing Dipladenia” Truly Experiences. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Dipladenia 2 FR 2013” By Photo: JLPC / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Mandevilla sanderi red 1” By Calimo – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia