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GENERAL
Origin
:
tropical
Vigour
:
fairly fast
growing
Humidity
:
semi-humid, very
humid, extremely
humid
Propagation :
cuttings
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
low (1000 ppm)
Hardiness
:
0°C
SHAPE
Type
:
climbers
Height
:
3 m-8 m
Spread
:
6 m-10 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
bright yellow
Size
:
5 cm - 12 cm
Period
:
April - November
Smell
:
scented, strong,
flower
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
1 cm
Toxicity
:
poisonous
The Golden Trumpet Vine is a highly ornamental twining climber, native to northern Brazil. It
may also be trained as a free-standing shrub and looks spectacular cascading over a retaining
wall. Showy, yellow flowers measure up to 12 cm across. They spread fragrance and appear in
abundance if the right growing conditions are met. They are borne in long racemes during warm
months and are followed by prickly capsules which release winged seeds. Full sunshine and
good drainage are essential. If stagnant water is prevented, the plant also does well in containers.
It grows vigorously in moist soil with a high percentage of humus but low salt contents. Cold
periods are tolerated, but frost damages the evergreen foliage instantly. It is low in maintenance
and easy to lead along a trellis, a fence or into a tree. It needs to be tied, since it does not grow
tendrils. Pinching keeps the plant in a neat shape, but may also result in loss of flower buds. Like
many other members of the Oleander family, Apocynaceae, this plant contains poisonous milky
sap. Allamandin is an iridoid lactone that may cause vomiting or diarrhoea. In Suriname it is
medically used. As its species’ name indicates, it is a powerful cathartic. Propagation is possible
via seeds or cuttings. Normally, there are no pests to be seen on well-nourished plants.
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Allamanda cathartica,
Apocynaceae
Golden Trumpet Vine