Allamanda blanchetii (Purple Allamanda)

Vigorous and fast-growing, Allamanda blanchetii (Purple Allamanda) is an evergreen tropical shrubby climber boasting ravishing rose-purple trumpet flowers, 3-4 in. across (7-10 cm) over a long season. Blooming in succession for months in summer and fall – all year in tropical conditions, each flower features 5 partially overlapping, rounded lobes, of pink to reddish-purple color, more intense in the throat. Opening from burgundy-brown buds, they stand out against the handsome foliage of glossy, bright green, downy leaves, 3-5 in. long (7-12 cm), held in whorls of four. Grown as a vine or pruned into a bushy shrub, Allamanda blooms on new growth. It does not tolerate cold and needs heat for adequate growth and flowering. Providing quick, long-season color, Allamanda can be planted outdoors in the mildest climates. Elsewhere, it will happily reside in a container to be moved indoors in cold weather. This tropical plant needs average to warm temperatures of 65-80°F (18-27°C). It will tolerate a minimum of 59°F (15°C) in winter and can stand drops of temperature up to some degree over 32°F (0°C) only if exceptional and for a very short period.

• Grows up to 6-10 ft. tall and wide (180-300 cm).
• A full sun or light shade lover, it is best grown in richly organic, fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Does not tolerate drought or wet soils. Allamanda appreciates heat on its vines, but its roots benefit from a cooler environment.
• Water and fertilize regularly during the growing season. Keep organic mulch around the base of a plant and fertilize it twice each month.
• Perfect for arbors, trellises, or containers.
• Generally pest and disease free. Allamanda drops its leaves when it suffers water stress. Yellowing between leaf veins, or chlorosis, indicates a need for more organic matter in the soil.
• Remove seedpods to keep new growth and flowers coming. Prune in late winter, or early spring to encourage a more compact habit and a copious blooming.
• Propagation by cuttings, air layers, and seeds. Seeds germinate in 3 – 6 weeks.
• All the parts of the plant are toxic and the latex can cause dermatitises and allergic reactions to particularly sensible persons.
• Native to Brazil.