Mandevilla laxa aka Chilean Jasmine

Taxonomy

Mandevilla laxa, commonly known as Chilean jasmine, is an ornamental plant in the genus Mandevilla of the family Apocynaceae. Native to southern Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and northern Argentina, this vine-like plant can reach heights of up to 6 meters (20 feet) and is deciduous in cooler climates. It features glossy, evergreen oval leaves measuring 5-10cm in length. During late summer and early autumn, Mandevilla laxa produces clusters of 5 to 15 tubular, strongly fragrant, white or cream flowers that can span from 5 to 9cm in diameter. These blossoms exude a sweet vanilla fragrance, particularly noticeable in the evening. While it is not fully hardy and cannot survive freezing temperatures, it thrives in full sunlight and is often grown in unheated greenhouses or conservatories protected by glass. In the United Kingdom, it has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Despite its common name, Chilean jasmine, it is important to note that Mandevilla laxa is not a true jasmine of the genus Jasminum.

Common names

Chilean Jasmine, Sun Parasol

How to care for Chilean Jasmine

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Chilean Jasmine is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Chilean Jasmine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Chilean Jasmine loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Chilean Jasmine requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Sun Parasol is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Chilean Jasmine to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the Chilean Jasmine. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Chilean Jasmine should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Chilean Jasmine’s native range is Southwest United States to South America and the Caribbean.


More info:
Wikipedia