Allamanda Vine: Tropical Beauty That Needs Winter Protection

If you purchased a vine with large, glossy leaves and bright yellow flowers last summer, you likely have an allamanda. These tropical vines put on a stunning display during warm months, but they cannot withstand freezing temperatures. As winter approaches, the plant will appear dead—leaves drop and stems turn brown. This is normal for a tropical plant left outdoors in a temperate climate.

To save your allamanda, cut it back hard and bring it indoors before the first frost. Place it in a bright, cool location and water sparingly until spring. If your winter was unusually mild, the vine might have survived in the ground. Check for new shoots emerging in May; if they appear, consider yourself lucky. Otherwise, treat it as an annual or container plant that needs winter shelter.