Mandevilla, also sold as Dipladenia, is a group of tropical and subtropical climbers valued for their showy trumpet-shaped flowers, lush foliage, and extended blooming season. Although not native to Australia, modern cultivars offer improved hardiness and long-lasting performance in Australian urban landscapes. Mandevilla is particularly suited to courtyards, walls, trellises, and pots, providing bold seasonal colour and dense greenery.
Mandevilla spp ‘MAND02’ PBR Intended Trade Name All Seasons Pink™ — vivid pink flowers. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/hardy-exotic-range/all-seasons-pink-mandevilla/
Mandevilla spp ‘MAND01‘ PBR Intended Trade Name All Seasons Red™ — vibrant red flowers. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/hardy-exotic-range/all-seasons-red-mandevilla/
Nectarivorous Birds
Probable — Requires Further Research
While Mandevilla flowers are nectar-rich, there seems to be limited documented evidence that Australian nectar-feeding birds (e.g., honeyeaters) use them significantly in urban settings. However, they are frequented by hummingbirds in their native range in South America; these birds have long mouth parts able to enter the corolla, and many Australian birds also have long mouth parts to reach similarly-shaped flowers. Honeyeaters are highly opportunistic, so I personally see no reason that they wouldn’t be attracted even though I can’t remember seeing them on this plant specifically.
Fruit Eating Birds
No — Not Documented
Mandevilla produces dry follicles rather than fleshy fruits and does not appear to attract frugivorous birds. Include. in your plant guilds fruit-bearing Australian plants such as Rhagodia spinescens and Carpobrotus glaucescens https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-shrubs-groundcovers/.
Seed Eating Birds
No — Not a Food Source
The seeds are small and wind-dispersed with silky hairs, making them unlikely to interest seed-eating birds. Include Australian native grasses in your guilds for this resource https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-grasses/.
Insectivorous Birds
Yes — Highly Supportive
Mandevilla flowers attract a variety of insects, which will often in turn attract insectivorous birds to forage in its foliage and flowers.
Pollen Feeding Insects
Yes — Supports Pollinators
The large flowers produce pollen that is readily accessed by insects like bees and beetles.
Nectar Feeding Insects
Yes — Well Documented Overseas
In its native range, Mandevilla is visited by butterflies, bees, and hawk moths for its abundant nectar. In Australia, similar insect visitors (butterflies, native bees, hoverflies) are likely, although specific studies are lacking. I have personally observed insects foraging on the flowers many times.
Buzz Pollinated Flowers
No — Not Buzz-Pollinated
Mandevilla pollen is accessible to generalist pollinators without the need for vibration.
Habitat for Desirable Insect Larvae
Unknown — Not Documented
There is no evidence that Mandevilla serves as a host plant for Lepidoptera or other desirable larvae in Australia. However, it does provide varied habitat for many different types of insects besides caterpillars.
Final Thoughts for Specifiers
Mandevilla offers dramatic seasonal colour, climbing or trailing habit, and pollinator support in Australian landscapes. Cultivars such as All Seasons Red™ Mandevilla and All Seasons Pink™ Mandevilla deliver extended flowering periods, low maintenance, and flexibility for vertical or container plantings. While its primary ecological contribution lies in supporting insects, it can also provide incidental benefits to insectivorous birds through its insect-attracting flowers.
