ALLAMANDA: EVERGREEN SHRUB OR CLIMBER

Allamanda is easily grown outdoors in southern Florida where it swiftly takes hold and blooms over a long season, but in other areas of the country it is only grown indoors.  It is an evergreen scrambling shrub with bright green leaves and golden yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers; however, new colors are now offered.  In ordinary soil and full sun or light shade, Allamanda will develop long shoots that climb a wall or fence, reaching to a considerable height.

VARIETIES

Cathartica grows to 30 or 40 feet, if left alone.  It has large dense, dark green leaves as well as large golden flowers.  In Williamsi the blooms have a reddish brown throat.  Neriifolia is a shrub that is usually only 3 to 5 feet tall, and its flowers are also smaller deep yellow flowers.

HOW AND WHEN TO PLANT

In the far south these plants can be set out at any season, close to the support they are to climb, but further north they are mainly inside plants.

CARE AND PROTECTION

If you prefer to use Allamanda as a shrub rather than a climber, cut back the long shoots in summer.

Reference:  The Complete Guide to Garden Flowers: An Encyclopedia of Garden Planning, A.S. Barnes And Co., New York.