At last my Mandevilla laxa has flowered! Native to Argentina this climber has a reputation for being tender. However I have grown it outside here for a number years and it has survived many hard winters - but has never flowered! I think this was more to do with the fact that it became overcrowded during the year and so did not get quite enough direct sun. This year I forgot to prune it and after last years' mild winter growth begun at head height. It must have grown 2 metres during the season and has draped it's tall neighbours with these large exotic white flowers. Alas! The scent is elusive - a step ladder would be required to discover it!
