This vigorous climber from South America is best suited to a warm conservatory where it can grow to its full height or be trained against a wall. The leaves are glossy, dark green, oval, and 4-6 in. (10—15 cm) long. The spectacular flowers are produced throughout summer.
They are golden yellow, marked white in the throat, and earn it its common name, golden trumpet. Varieties of A. cathartica include: ‘Grandiflora,’ more compact with large flowers; ‘Hendersonii,’ with bronze-tinged buds and orange-yellow flowers; and ‘Nobilis,’ which has large, bright gold flowers.
Size: Height to 20 ft. (6 m).
Light: Direct sunlight.
Temperature: Warm; minimum 60°F (15°C).
Moisture: Keep moist from spring to fall; allow to dry slightly in winter.
Feeding: Give standard liquid fertilizer every two weeks in spring and summer.
Propagation: Take tip cuttings, 3—4 in. (8—10 cm) long, in spring. Cover with a plastic bag or propagator and keep at 70°F (21°C) in bright light, but not direct sun.
Special needs: Strong-growing, so can be cut down by two-thirds in winter.