Allamanda, the Golden Trumpet

Even though it doesn’t hold very well to the cold, allamanda is a plant that perfectly decorates Mediterranean-type gardens.

A summary of Allamanda facts

Name – Allamanda cathartica
Family – Apocynaceae
Type – climbing vine

Exposure – full sun
Soil – rather light

Foliage – evergreen
Flowering – July to November

It bestows us with sumptuous yellow blooming all summer long.

How to plant allamanda

The planting of an allamanda is an important step, even though it cannot be planted outdoors everywhere. Planting it in a pot is an option in some cases.

Allamanda directly in the ground

Allamanda can survive outdoors year-round only in mild-wintered areas. They cannot withstand temperatures below freezing.

If you live around the Mediterranean, plant it in spring in light soil.

• It needs a lot of sun to develop well.
• It loves soil that drains particularly well and will thus feel right at home with a mix of one part garden soil, one part soil mix and one part sand.
• Allamanda must be planted in a warm spot and should be brought indoors in winter if temperatures drop below 40°F (5°C).
• Choose a place that is sheltered from wind and preferably along a lattice that it can climb along.

Planting allamanda in pots

Growing allamanda in pots is recommended everywhere temperatures drop below 40°F (5°C) during winter.

You’ll be able to bring your allamanda in a well-lit place where it doesn’t freeze over winter.

Pruning allamanda

Allamanda takes pruning well, it even helps it grow stronger.

Indeed, this is a vigorous climbing vine we’re dealing with, sometimes even invasive, and pruning it is the way to set boundaries to its growth.

• Pruning doesn’t impact the blooming, nor does it slow the allamanda’s growth.
• Severe pruning can also be performed several times a year, or once every couple years.
• Pruning is best performed before spring growth renews, at the end of winter.

Caring for your allamanda

Allamanda is an easy plant to grow when it is cultivated in the proper environment.

• It is a plant that abhors shade, and needs as much sun as it can get to bloom.

Watering allamanda

Allamanda cherishes moisture, and needs to be watered in case of heat waves, but without forgetting that the root area must drain well or the roots will rot.

The allamanda vine has particularly high water needs during the 1^st year after planting.

• Water preferably in the evening.
• Best use rain water because allamanda is sensitive to calcium-loaded water.
• Regularly spraying the leaves with soft water helps maintain the high moisture levels it needs.
• Add flower plant fertilizer once or twice a month, especially for allamanda grown in pots.
• In winter, reduce watering as much as you can, down to about once a month.

Diseases and parasites that frequently attack allamanda

Allamanda is regarded to be a plant that is resistant to most parasites and diseases.

If leaves turn brown and curl, most probably aphids are colonizing the plant.

Allamanda is also vulnerable to red spider mite attacks.

All there is to know about the allamanda

Also called golden trumpet, allamanda grows fast and offers spectacular blooming in summer.

Allamanda illuminates the garden with its bright yellow flowers.

When placed in full sun, for instance on the edge of a terrace, it spreads a delicate fruity fragrance.

All the parts of the plant induce skin photosensitivity, which means they make skin more vulnerable to irritation due to ultra-violet rays. Handle it with gloves to avoid this toxicity.

Furthermore, ingesting the plant causes nausea and vomiting.

Read also on the topic of climbing plants

• Fragrant climbing plants.

Credits for images shared to Nature & Garden (all edits by Gaspard Lorthiois):
Two golden trumpets by Anita under Pixabay license
Allamanda flower by elbrusto under Pixabay license