Mandevilla 'Red Riding Hood': A Compact, Flowering Vine for Containers

Mandevilla 'Red Riding Hood' is a popular cultivar of Mandevilla splendens (syn. Dipladenia splendens), prized for its compact growth and profusion of deep red, trumpet-shaped flowers with yellow throats. This tropical vine blooms from spring through fall, adding vibrant color to patios, balconies, and trellises. Its glossy, dark green leaves are evergreen in warm climates.

Care and Maintenance

Provide full sun to partial shade and a well-draining potting mix. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season with a high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage blooms. Provide a small trellis or support for the twining stems. In zones below 10, bring indoors before frost, place in bright light, and reduce watering.

Landscape Uses

Its manageable size (3-5 feet) makes 'Red Riding Hood' ideal for containers, hanging baskets, and small garden spaces. Combine with trailing annuals like calibrachoa or sweet potato vine for a lush display. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Taxonomic Information