How to Grow Allamanda

Allamandas grow as perennials in warm, frost-free climates.

Allamandas are frost-sensitive, Brazilian natives acting as perennials in United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 through 11. Cooler areas can treat them as annuals, or grow them inside containers for winter protection. Depending on the cultivar, plants grow as a bush or vine. Allamanda cathartica is a twining vine or shrub-like with pruning, and Allamanda neriifolia is a shrub. Plants have dark to light green foliage and produce masses of yellow, trumpet-like blooms. It works well in brightening dull, landscape locations and used in patio or pool areas.

Things You'll Need

• Container
• Fertilizer
• Potting mix
• Pruning shears
• Rake
• Herbicide
• Shovel

Instructions

Container Growth

1. Use a 3- to 5-gallon container for planting the allamanda. It is large enough to allow proper root spreading. Select a container with bottom drainage, as plants will die in containers that retain water.

2. Mix a slow-release fertilizer into enough of a well-draining potting mix that fills the container. Apply according to label instructions. The fertilizer slowly disintegrates into the soil and nourishes the roots for approximately three months.

3. Fill the container one-third full of the potting mix. Water the container until it runs from the bottom, settling the soil.

4. Remove the plant from its container and gently pull apart wrapping roots with your hands. Place it inside the container and fill with soil, firming it around the root ball with your hands. Add more soil if necessary and plant the allamanda no deeper than it was originally growing.

5. Water the allamanda after planting, letting it run from the bottom drain holes. Water plants regularly when the soil feels dry. Containerized soil dries out quickly and plants prefer moist, well-drained soil conditions.

6. Situate the container in full to partial sun. Allamandas receiving the most light produce the most blooms.

7. Prune to control the plant's size and shape. Use pruning shears and trim freely, as pruned allamandas grow thicker.

Planting Outdoors

1. Clear all weeds from a planting site located in full to partial sun and in soil that drains well. Remove the vegetation using your hands, rake or by killing it with an herbicide, applied according to package instructions. Allamandas in sunny locations produce more flowers.

2. Dig a hole twice as large as the allamanda's root ball. Remove the allamanda from the container and pull apart any wrapping roots. Place it into the hole and backfill with soil, firming it around the root ball with your hands and planting no deeper than it was originally growing.

3. Plant vine-like allamandas approximately 1 foot in front of a wall, arbor, fence or trellis. This gives the plant enough room to spread and climb up the structure.

4. Water the allamanda after planting, saturating the roots. Apply water regularly to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.

5. Fertilize monthly with a water-soluble fertilizer, applied according to package instructions. Prune allamanda as necessary to control its shape and size.

References

• Florida Yards: Allamanda Neriifolia
• Floridata: Allamanda Cathartica
• The United States National Arboretum: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map