This evergreen vine or climbing shrub has 3-inch-long, funnel-shaped blooms which are reddish-purple fading to pink, giving a two-toned effect. The light green, pubescent leaves are arranged in whorls on weak, sprawling stems. While it can be allowed to rapidly cover an arbor or other support, purple allamanda also makes an attractive free-standing specimen shrub with careful pruning. Many people use it to cover the base of a mailbox or pole. Allamanda will cascade over a wall and makes a nice hanging basket. Rapid growth creates a sprawling form with individual shoots growing alone, away from the rest of the plant. Regular pinching will keep the plant in bounds, but too much pinching removes flower buds which form on new growth.
Winter interest: plant has winter interest due to unusual form, nice, persistent fruits, showy winter trunk, or winter flowers
Flowering best in full-sun locations, purple allamanda should be planted in frost-free sheltered locations in nematode-free soil. Water plants generously until well-established. All parts of the plant are poisonous and should be used with caution in areas frequented by young children.
Propagation is by cuttings, but it is grown best when grafted on A. cathartica (yellow allamanda) cultivars Hendersonii or Schottii.
The purple allamanda works well as a background or massing plant when grown on a trellis or fence to block undesirable views or fill gaps along walls. It can also be used to add interest to an arbor or pole. The medium-size, light green foliage of the allamanda shows well with contrasting plant features such as large leaves, coarse texture, thick stems, and dark green or burgundy color. The loose, sprawling form of the vine contrasts with neat plants such as the clumping, arching forms of grasses and other vase-shaped, small-leaved shrubs. Low-growing groundcover with a mounding or matting form will emphasize the upright form of a trained allamanda on a trellis or arbor. To create a large plant mass along a fence select other vines with a variety of flower colors, such as white, pink, or yellow to mix with the allamanda for more interest.
No pests or diseases are of major concern except for nematodes. Purple allamanda is only occasionally bothered by scale and mites.
With their vibrant yellow flowers and lush green foliage, Alamanda plants lend tropical flair to gardens and landscapes. This heat-loving plant is valued for its versatility and adaptability to a range of climates and growing conditions. Let’s explore some of the most popular ways to utilize Alamanda’s ornamental appeal and growth habits.
Brightening Beds and Borders
One of the most common ways to feature Alamanda is in planted garden beds and borders. The shrubby, mounding varieties like Allamanda schottii make excellent compact foundation plants, while the vining types can be trained up supports to create living walls and vertical interest. Alamanda’s shiny leaves and golden trumpet-like blooms will enliven any planting.
Climbing Structures and Fences
The vining varieties of Alamanda like Allamanda cathartica are perfectly suited for climbing arbors trellises pergolas, and chain-link fences. Allow their flexible stems to twist up posts and wires to add height and drama to gardens and outdoor living spaces. The vibrant flowers will cascade down for maximum impact.
Container Planting
With their tropical look, Alamanda plants are right at home in decorative planters and pots on patios porches, and poolside. Compact bushy varieties fit nicely into medium containers while vining types can trail attractively from hanging baskets. Container growing allows flexibility in moving plants into shade or sun as needed.
Cut Flowers
The showy flowers of Alamanda make excellent fresh cut flowers for indoor arrangements. Cut stems when blooms are half open and place immediately in water. Recut the stems and change the water daily for longest vase life. The flowers last up to two weeks as cut flowers.
Living Walls and Fences
One creative way to utilize Alamanda is as living walls or fences. Train vigorous vining varieties onto sturdy trellis panels or wire fencing to create tropical-looking screens and barriers. This vertical greenery is perfect for masking unsightly views, delineating spaces, and adding privacy.
Arbors and Pergolas
Allow vining Alamanda plants to twist their way up over a garden arbor or pergola for a showstopping display. The golden trumpet flowers will cascade down overhead, creating a stunning covered passageway. Try underplanting with shade-loving impatiens or coleus for even more color.
Hedges and Screens
Bushy varieties of Alamanda like Allamanda schottii make excellent compact hedging with some light pruning. Their glossy leaves and abundant flowers create tropical-looking screens and borders. Alamanda hedges add color and interest to gardens year-round.
Accent and Specimen Plantings
Make Alamanda a focal point in the landscape by planting it as a standalone specimen. Give it plenty of space to show off its full size and growth habit. The eye-catching flowers will draw attention, providing season-long color. Use as an accent at entrances or in island beds.
Mixed Plantings and Borders
Blend Alamanda’s unique tropical look into mixed beds and planting borders. Combine with other heat-lovers like hibiscus, palms, cannas, and elephant ears for lush textures and colors. Alamanda’s mounding form contrasts nicely with fine-textured grasses and broad-leaved plants.
Cascading Planters and Hanging Baskets
For a beautiful spilling effect, plant a vining Alamanda in a hanging basket. Allow the stems to trail down up to three feet. Plant ivy, petunias, or calibrachoa with the Alamanda for added flower power. Place the cascading baskets on patios, porches, or balconies.
Poolside Planting
With their love of heat, Alamanda varieties are perfect for poolside planting. Their lush tropical look enhances the resort style pool environment. Plant Alamanda in beds surrounding pools or allow containers to trail over pool edges. The flowers will draw attention from pool goers.
Topiary Shaping
Get creative by pruning and training Alamanda into topiary forms like balls, columns, pyramids, or spirals. Bushy varieties lend themselves well to intricate shaping. Maintain the forms with regular clipping. Use topiary Alamanda for garden focal points.
Espaliering on Walls
Espalier an Alamanda vine onto a wall or fence in a formal crisscross pattern or fun shape. This technique maximizes vertical space while restricting spread. Keep the espaliered Alamanda trimmed neatly so the wall or fence shows through. The effect is at once artistic and practical.
Wildlife Habitat
Incorporate Alamanda into wildlife gardens to attract pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees will be drawn to the blooms. Plant where wildlife can best access the flowers. The shelter of Alamanda’s dense growth also provides nesting sites.
The versatile Alamanda plant gives ample opportunity for creativity and customization when incorporated into gardens and landscaping. Take advantage of its tropical beauty and resilient nature. With the proper site selection and care, Alamanda will thrive and enhance outdoor living spaces with long-lasting color and interest.
Publication # FPS 32
Release Date:December 4, 2018
Reviewed At:June 10, 2022
Part of Shrubs Fact Sheets
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fp032-1999
- Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises
This document is FPS 32, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date September 1999. Revised August 2018. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.
Edward F. Gilman, professor, Environmental Horticulture Department; Ryan W. Klein, graduate assistant, Environmental Horticulture Department; and Gail Hansen, associate professor, Environmental Horticulture Department; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.
- Gail Hansen de Chapman
The benefits of Allamanda flower garden in | Grenada
FAQ
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