Alice DuPont Mandevilla

Alice du Pont is a vigorous evergreen mandevilla climber grown for bright pink trumpet-shaped flowers. Sources classify this historic selection differently—as Mandevilla splendens or as Mandevilla × amabilis—so this record keeps the supported cultivar identity without asserting disputed species parentage. ## Form and flowering Longwood Gardens recounts that the plant was obtained from the Mitchel Estate in the 1930s and named by Dr. Huttleston du Pont in 1960. The twining stems need a trellis, fence, or other support. Flowers are large and showy; in warm climates, bloom can continue for much of the year, while cooler conditions shorten the season. The Royal Horticultural Society describes clusters of vivid pink flowers in mid to late summer. ## Site UF/IFAS recommends full sun and lists the selection for USDA Zones 10–11. The RHS gives a broad mature climbing range of 4–8 metres high and 1–1.5 metres wide; actual dimensions depend on support, pruning, and climate. Use moist but well-drained soil and avoid standing water. In cooler regions, grow it in a container and protect it from frost. Sources: [UF/IFAS Alice Dupont profile](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP400), [RHS Alice du Pont profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/120494/mandevilla-%C3%97-amabilis-alice-du-pont/details), [Longwood Gardens cultivar history](https://longwoodgardens.org/gardens/our-plants/longwood-cultivars). ## Maintenance Train new growth along its support and prune to control length or remove damaged stems. Water consistently during active growth, allowing excess water to drain. Bring container plants indoors before cold weather and inspect them for pests.