Allamanda cathartica (Golden Trumpet)

Spectacular in bloom, Allamanda cathartica (Golden Trumpet) is an evergreen tropical shrubby climber boasting deep golden yellow trumpet flowers, 5 in. across (12 cm), over a long season. Blooming in succession for months throughout the summer to the first frost – all year in tropical conditions, the fragrant blossoms may be single or double. They may display white markings in the throat, and are produced in clusters. Opening from fuzzy brown buds, they shine against the handsome foliage of glossy, leathery, wavy-margined, bright green leaves, 4-6 in. long (10-15 cm), held in whorls along the stems. Grown as a vine or pruned into a bushy shrub, Allamanda blooms on new growth. Since the Golden Trumpet does not twine nor have tendrils, if grown as a vine, it must be trained onto a trellis or other support structure. It does not tolerate cold and needs heat for adequate growth and flowering. This tropical plant needs warm conditions with day temperatures of 70ºF (21ºC) or higher and night temperatures of 60-65ºF (15-18ºC). 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.

• Grows up to 10-20 ft. tall (300-600 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm). Vigorous, Golden Trumpet can grow 20 ft. in a single season if summers are warm.
• A full sun or light shade lover, it is best grown in richly organic, fertile, moist, well-drained 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 twice each month.
• Generally pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for scale, mealy bugs and leaf spot. 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, early spring to encourage a more compact habit and a copious blooming.
• Propagation by stem cuttings.
• All the parts of the plant are toxic and the latex can cause dermatitises and allergic reactions to particularly sensible persons.
• Native to Brazil.