Allamanda schottii (Bush Allamanda)
 
 
Bush Allamanda is one of the easiest and showiest shrubs you can grow in South Florida. With its glossy green leaves and clusters of bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers, it adds cheerful color almost year-round, especially in warm weather.
 
This shrub grows a bit too large to use right up against the house, but it’s very versatile elsewhere. Its size and sunny color make it perfect as an accent plant, a medium-height hedge, or even a not-too-tall privacy screen around a patio, lanai, or pool area. It works beautifully in both formal landscapes and more relaxed, tropical gardens. Just give it an occasional trim to keep its naturally elegant shape.
 
As the plant matures, it may drop some lower leaves and look bare at the base. If that bothers you, simply plant smaller shrubs or groundcovers around it to fill in. If you want something smaller, there’s a dwarf variety available. Or, for a more dramatic look, consider the Brown Bud Allamanda vine, which produces even larger yellow blooms.
 
Plant Specs
Evergreen and moderately salt-tolerant
Moderate growth rate
Likes full to partial sun
Best for Zone 10
Can be trimmed to stay 3 feet tall when young, or 4–5 feet once mature
 
Plant Care
Mix topsoil or peat moss with composted manure when planting
Trim to shape as needed; cut back in spring (March–April) for size control
Water regularly, but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
Fertilize 3 times a year (spring, summer, fall) with a quality granular fertilizer
 
Plant Spacing
Space at least 3 feet apart to allow room for growth
Keep 2.5 feet from the house
For walks or driveways, allow 3–4 feet of space
Can also be grown in large containers
 
Landscape Uses
Standalone specimen plant
Accent in mixed garden beds
Along fences or walls for height and color
Around patios, decks, or pool enclosures
As a backdrop for smaller plants
Medium-height hedge or privacy screen
On each side of a garden gate or entryway
To camouflage utilities or A/C units