Allamanda

Allamanda neriifolia
Allamanda neriifolia

The common variety is Allamanda cathartica and it is known as the ‘Golden Trumpet Vine’ and like all of the group is a frost tender climbing plant or bush that is at home in a subtropical to tropical climate.

However Allamanda can do well in more temperate zones given a sheltered warm position.

With the yellow flowering climber being the most common, is little more variety exists in this group. If you look at the varieties available you will find white, pink, red and cream flowering types as well as more compact or dwarf forms.

Care

In cooler areas Allamanda can be grown in a large container, once fall sets in plants can be pruned back fairly hard and over wintered indoors. Outdoors it requires well drained but moist soil and full sun for best results.

In the warmer zones many of the varieties sold will flower year round, major flushes of flowers in spring and summer, however good flowers for nearly 12 months.

In the colder zones flowering will be limited in winter however you can still grow them in containers.

A dry winter is essential in colder zones, so container grown only in these area.

All varieties have a sap that is considered to be irritating to the skin and poisonous, so wear gloves when handling and take appropriate care.

TOP TIPS

  • Plant bulbs with the neck above the ground
  • Keep frost free
  • Do not over water
  • Pruning
    All varieties can be pruned back fairly hard in spring, watch for signs of new growth and then prune back to them.

Varieties

Species and varieties include :

  • Allamanda blanchettii – A pink flowering form with a denser petal formation than others. The flower color intensifies in cooler months.
  • Allamanda ‘alba’ – This is a white flowering species, large fragrant flowers all year round in warmer climates.
  • Allamanda cathartic – Brilliant yellow trumpets, long flowering and the fragrance intensifies on warm nights.
  • Allamanda schottii ‘compact’ – Smaller growing like a shrub rather than a climber. Yellow flowers and one that is suited to growing in containers.
  • Allamanda ‘Jamaican Sunset’ – A smaller growing shrub with apricot pink flowers.
  • Allamnada ‘Brazilian Red’ has large red flowers.
  • Allamanda cathartica williamsii – This is a beautiful double flowering yellow form, large flowers, although not intensely fragrant.

Propagation

Easy from cuttings