Solandra maxima (Cup of Gold Vine) – A large, evergreen vine that can spread to 40 feet with 6 to 8 inch long thick elliptical leaves and enormous 8 inch long by 8 to 10 inch wide golden trumpet-shaped flowers with brown stripes on the inside – the peak bloom period is in spring in California though it can bloom as early as January in Santa Barbara and can often be found with flowers into June or July. Flowers age darker and are fragrant, particularly in the evening, with a banana or vanilla aroma. It tolerates seaside conditions, even direct salt spray. Plant in full sun along the coast (some protection inland) and water regularly. Hardy to around 28° F with some frost damage to tip growth in prolonged sub 32° F temperatures. Tolerates seaside conditions, even direct salt spray. This plant is native to Mexico, Central America south to Venezuela.

TYPE
Vine
SEASON
HEIGHT
6-25 ft.
WIDTH
6-25 ft.
Flower / Leaf
FLOWER COLOR
Gold
FLOWER SEASON
Spring
LEAF COLOR
LEAF CHARACTER
Sun / Water / Soil
SUN
Full
WATER
Medium
SOIL TYPE
Loam
GROWTH RATE
Moderate