Description

General aspect and origins - Allamanda cathartica, syn. Allamanda nobilis syn. Orelia grandiflora is also known as the golden trumpet vine. It is a twining vine or a scrambling shrub which is native to Brazil. It can spread up to 15+ ft (5 m and more) in all directions. In culture, this plant will be smaller. (About up to 6 ft.)
Leaves - Leaves are evergreen, entire, simple, lanceolate, glossy and are about 4-6 in (10-15 cm) long.
Flowers - This plant has large trumpet-shaped flowers. They are yellow to golden-yellow and have 5 petals. They are grouped in axillary and terminal clusters. In warm climates, it flowers all the year long. In temperate zones, it heavily blooms in summer.
Fruits - Fruits are inedible prickly seed pods that turn brown, dry and split open when ripe.

Culture

This plant can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 10-11, in frost-free climates. Elsewhere, it should be grown under glass or brought indoors in winter.
Soil - A. cathartica should be grown in fertile and well-drained soils that remain fairly moist.

Propagation

This plant can be propagated by cuttings or seeds. Seeds should be sown in spring with a bottom heat of about 18°C-20°C. Cuttings can be prepared in mid to late spring.