James H. Schutte
Family
Apocynaceae
Botanical Name
ALLAMANDA
Plant Common Name
Allamanda
General Description
Allamanda is a small genus of 12 species of evergreen climbers and shrubs native to the tropical areas of Central and South America; however it has escaped cultivation and naturalized throughout the tropics.
Habit varies from species to species. Allamanda can have a shrubby habit, long and arching branches or be twining woody vines. The bark is commonly brown, furrowed on mature stems and yellow-green on younger branches. These emit a milky irritating sap when broken. The leaves are large green to yellow-green and appear opposite to one another on the stems or whorled in groups. They are lance, oval or elliptical (pointed at both ends) in shape. Allamanda flowers are very showy and appear all year in consistently warm climates. The flowers can be borne in clusters or individually. All are trumpet-shaped, flare at the mouth and can be very large or small depending on species. They vary in color from yellow, pink, orange or lavender. The fruits are warty or spiny seed capsules.
Allamanda is a popular genus for tropical landscapes. by and large they prefer full sun and well-drained soil that is acidic. It is important to irrigate them during the growing season. Though somewhat drought tolerant, they look and grow best with evenly moist conditions. All are heavy feeders. Prune by removing out-of bounds growth; vining selections will cover a fence or grow up into the branches of small trees. Use Allamanda to impart a tropical feeling to frost-free landscapes and container gardens.
There are several allamanda cultivars commonly used in the landscape including the popular pink-flowered hybrid ‘Cherries Jubilee’.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 23, 24
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
3'-50' / 0.9m - 15.2m
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Central America, South America
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow, Orange, Lemon Yellow, Rose, Lavender
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Fruit Color
Green, Purple
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Dark Green
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Bark Color
Green, Brown
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Feature Plant, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds
