Allamanda cathartica

[NorCalWill]

This has been a favorite vine of mine ever since I first saw one growing at Epcot in Orlando 20 years ago

Funny how some plants just stick in your mind.

I couldn't resist bringing one up north from SoCal this past summer and letting it grow into my Brahea 'Clara'. Turned out to be a great combo!

We had the first frost of the season yesterday morning here in Santa Rosa, and Allamanda, being protected from Clara, still looks ok for this time of year. Still nice glossy green leaves and still blooming even though temps are getting into the upper 30's (supposed to get down to 37 by the weekend).

I didn't plant it in the ground. I put it into a 15 gallon nursery container and stood it next to the palm so that I could easily move it to a warmer spot come winter.

I've read that it is best not to water Allamanda in the winter because it will rot.

I am hoping to keep it alive for next season!

[doranakandawatta]

Will,

We planted this one in Doranakanda: pale yellow cultivar... it grows like weeds in srilankan climate!

Best wishes for your Allamanda's growth next spring

[Kim]

Yes, a beauty, the perfect shade of tropical yellow! But... it is a vine. Enjoy your tamed and delicate Beauty that you must protect in winter. In Hawaii they can cover an acre of trees fairly quickly. Allamanda is an out-of-control hussy in the warm and wet islands.

[Silas_Sancona]

Will, yes, keep it dry through the winter.. Even in FL, a cold, wet winter can kill them. Lost several the winter of 09-10 there. Saw a couple 7gal specimens of "Cherries Jubalee" (reddish flowering Alamanda variety) for sale at a local HD here in San Jose a few weeks ago. If i wasn't moving back to Florida at the end of the month, at least one of them would be added to my own collection.

-Nathan-