How to Grow Alice du Pont

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Alice du Pont

Mandevilla 'Alice du Pont'

vine

Alice du Pont is a stunning tropical climbing vine prized for its large, deep pink to magenta flowers with yellow throats. It produces glossy, dark green foliage and blooms prolifically throughout the warm season. This vigorous vine is perfect for trellises, arbors, and container growing, especially in cooler climates where it's often treated as an annual.

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Example Alice du Pont timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Alice du Pont
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Alice du Pont
Around Jun 16

≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Alice du Pont dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates

💧

Water: Keep soil consistently moist during growing season but not waterlogged. Water deeply and allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter dormancy.

📏

Spacing: 12 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 60-90 days to first flowers

🌱

Planting depth: Plant transplants at same depth as nursery pot; seeds (if available) 1/4 inch deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost peat moss perlite or sand for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives year-round in zones 10-11; grown as annual or container plant in zones 4-9

10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Seedling/Establishment

2-3 weeks

Young plant with small leaves and minimal growth; establishing root system

Keep soil warm (70-75°F), moist but not soggy. Provide bright, indirect light. Protect from cold drafts.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Rapid stem and leaf development; plant grows taller and spreads wider with glossy green foliage

Provide sturdy support structure (trellis/arbor). Water regularly. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Prune to encourage branching if desired.

Budding

2-3 weeks

Flower buds appear at stem tips; pink to magenta buds form before opening

Maintain consistent moisture and warmth. Switch to higher-phosphorus fertilizer to promote flowering. Ensure 6+ hours of direct sun daily.

Flowering

8-16 weeks (summer through fall)

Large (2-3 inch), trumpet-shaped deep pink flowers with yellow centers open continuously; multiple blooms along vines

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Maintain regular watering and feeding schedule. Keep support structure secure as plant becomes heavier.

Winter/Dormancy

3-4 months

Growth slows; fewer flowers appear in cooler temperatures; plant may lose leaves in zones 9 and below or if exposed to frost

Reduce watering and fertilizer. Bring container plants indoors in frost-prone areas. Prune back in early spring. Maintain warm temperatures (50°F minimum) if possible.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Clematis Bougainvillea Passion flower Morning glory Salvia Hibiscus

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (releases juglone) Eucalyptus

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; increase humidity
Remove by hand with cotton swab dipped in alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil
Prune affected branches; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators
Improve drainage; reduce watering frequency; repot in fresh, well-draining soil if severe

Uses

🍳

Ornamental garnish

Culinary

The striking flowers can be used as elegant garnish for special occasion desserts and beverages. [source]

🏠

Landscape screening and privacy

Household

Vigorous vining growth makes Alice du Pont ideal for covering unsightly walls, fences, and creating natural privacy screens on arbors and trellises. [source]

🏠

Container and patio gardening

Household

Excellent choice for large containers on patios and decks, especially in cooler climates where it's brought indoors seasonally. Creates a tropical atmosphere. [source]

🦋

Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

Deep pink trumpet flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a valuable nectar source throughout the flowering season. [source]

🎨

Fresh flower arrangements

Craft

Large, long-lasting blooms are prized by florists and home arrangers for creating stunning tropical-inspired bouquets and centerpieces. [source]

Harvest Tips

Alice du Pont is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering throughout the season. Cut stems can be used in fresh flower arrangements; pick in early morning when flowers are fully hydrated.

Fun Facts

🌱 Alice du Pont was named after Alice Acheson du Pont, a Delaware horticulturist and patron of gardens, and is also known as 'Pink Allamanda.'
🌱 The plant is a hybrid cultivar and cannot be reliably reproduced from seed; propagation is done through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in spring or summer.
🌱 In tropical regions, Alice du Pont can grow 15-20 feet or more in a single season, making it one of the most vigorous flowering vines available.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Deadhead Full Sun pH Trellis

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