1. Planting: Mandevillas perform well in full to partial sun, so try and find somewhere that will offer at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Also, ensure your soil is well-drained.

When you're ready to plant, make your hole 2 to 3 times the width and just as deep as the root system. Place and position your plant, then backfill the soil and tamp down lightly. Finally, water the planting site when finished to settle the soil and spread mulch around the base to maintain moisture.

If you're planting in a container, select a pot that is 1 to 2 sizes larger than the container the plant arrived in, with ample drainage holes on the bottom. Add a little soil to the bottom of the container first, place your plant, backfill the soil and water to settle the soil completely, and place it in an area that will receive full sun (6+ hours every day).

2. Watering: Use your index finger to determine if more water is needed. Stick it into the soil down to a depth of 2 inches and feel around. If there is still moisture present, leave it be a bit longer. If it has dried out, water until you see it escaping the drainage holes and stop, or water until the soil is moist.

3. Fertilizing: During the blooming season, your shrub will respond well to monthly applications of fertilizer. Use 6-8-10 formulas, which still allow enough nitrogen for healthy growth, but discontinue fertilizing as summer ends.

4. Pruning: Pruning is typically done in the late fall or early winter season to maintain the shape. Remove dead branches or foliage as they appear.

Potted plants can have their tips pinched off monthly, during their active growing season, to encourage more branching. Always use sterilized shears for pruning.