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Golden trumpet

Allamanda cathartica

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Golden trumpet · Allamanda cathartica

Bright yellow trumpets bloom continuously, climbing a trellis or forming a bush.

Care and placement

Needs full sun (6+ hours), soak-and-slightly-dry watering, phosphorus-rich feeding and hard spring pruning; the white sap is toxic, so wear gloves.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 400 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 250 cm

Things to consider

All parts are toxic if eaten: the milky sap causes vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain (NC State rates the poison severity as low); sap can irritate skin, cause allergic reactions and sensitize to UV. Wear gloves when pruning; keep from children and pets.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Plant in full sun in loose, well-drained soil; train up a trellis or prune into a shrub. Use a large pot with drainage holes if potted.

  2. Light

    Full sun, at least 6 hours of direct sun for heavy flowering; indoors at least 4 hours.

  3. Watering

    Soak the soil deeply, then let it dry slightly; water regularly in the growing season and reduce in the cool or dormant period.

  4. Feeding

    A phosphorus-rich, water-soluble fertilizer every 2–6 weeks in spring and summer (depending on source); none in winter.

  5. Pruning

    Flowers form only on new growth: prune hard in early spring (up to half) for more flower-bearing shoots; deadheading brings more blooms. It is vigorous and hard pruning does not reduce flowering. Wear gloves.

  6. Propagation

    Take 8–10 cm stem-tip cuttings in early spring into moist mix; rooting hormone and bottom heat give the best results; seed is the other option. Wear gloves because of the sap.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Few serious problems; aphids, mealybugs and spider mites can occur; overwatering causes root rot. Check regularly and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

  8. For more flowers

    For plentiful yellow trumpets: full sun, regular phosphorus-rich feeding, a hard early-spring prune, deadheading and soak-then-slightly-dry watering.