Dipladenia x hybrida Bella Pink Star

Dipladenia Bella Pink Star adds to the mandevilla Bella series with its large pink flowers brilliantly starred with white. This wonderful little climber blooms for months, without requiring any maintenance. Its large flowers continuously bloom against a backdrop of shiny dark green leaves. The Bella series of dipladenias are generous but sensitive, and must spend winter in a bright veranda or a lightly heated greenhouse. These climbers have such presence that they can easily decorate patios and balconies without any other plants.

Mandevilla, named in honour of diplomat and gardener Henry Mandeville, are fast-growing climbing plants, mostly native to the tropical forests of Serra de Orgaos, near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Growing at high altitudes, these plants thrive in temperate climates, free from frost, in partial shade or filtered light in summer. They belong to the Apocynaceae family, just like periwinkles and oleanders. In the 1970s, Robert Lannes, a French horticulturist based in Tarn et Garonne, was the first to be interested in hybridising these plants with immense potential, among which Mandevilla sanderi stands out. Years of research and selection have resulted in particularly floriferous, more compact varieties with various colours. They are easy to grow by amateur gardeners.

The Bella series, derived in part from Mandevilla sanderi, produces resistant plants with a compact habit, distinguished by a range of very vibrant colours. The faded flowers are easily removed. These plants are ideal for pots.

Bella Pink Star develops voluble stems that are woody at the base, measuring up to 1.5m (5ft) in length. The plant climbs or spreads on the ground, and can even cascade from large containers if no support is provided for its stems. Its growth rate is rapid. Its beautiful large flowers are composed of 5 large slightly pointed lobes that overlap like the blades of a propeller. Grouped in small clusters, they renew themselves from late spring until late in the season. The evergreen foliage consists of entire, dark green leaves arranged in an opposite manner. The thick and leathery lamina, oval to elliptical in shape, measures 5 to 6cm (2in) long and has a shiny upper surface. This plant has large tuberous roots that contain starch and water, helping the plant to withstand drought quite well.

Mandevilla is often used for decorating pergolas and trellises on patios and balconies, alone or in a mix of colours. This Bella Pink Star variety is heat-resistant and water-efficient. It will thrive in a large flower pot placed in isolation on a sun-exposed patio or balcony. For example, it can be paired with the Bella White variety or with Euphorbia 'Diamond Frost'. Cultivation in open ground, in lightened soil, is reserved for regions spared from frost.