Solandra maxima: Description, history and curiosities
solandra maxima, commonly known as Giant Trumpeter, Cup of Gold, Golden Trumpet or Trumpet Plant, is a spectacular perennial climber fast-growing, notable for the extravagance of its flowers and its vigorous vegetation. It belongs to the family Solanaceae and is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South AmericaIts name honors the Swedish botanist Daniel Carlsson Solander, a disciple of Linnaeus, recognizing the beauty and uniqueness of this species.
The Solandra maxima It is appreciated in ornamental gardening for its explosive flowering and the ease with which it can cover walls, fences, pergolas, trellises and all kinds of supports, also serving to create green screens which provide the garden with privacy and exuberance throughout the year.
Botanical characteristics
- Plant type: Evergreen climbing shrub with long, flexible branches that can ascend and spread with great ease.
- Size: It can reach between 7 and 10 meters in height under optimal conditions, although there are documented specimens with even greater developments in favorable habitats.
- Sheets: Large, oval or elliptical, with a deep, glossy green color, they are perennials in warm, mild climates. They can measure up to 25 cm long and have sturdy petioles.
- Flowers: One of its main attractions, since they are huge trumpet-shaped flowers or funnel, up to 20-30 cm in diameter, golden yellow in color and with purple or violet veins. They give off a intense and sweet aroma especially at night, when they seek to attract nocturnal pollinators such as moths and nocturnal bees.
- Fruits: Rounded berries up to 5 cm in diameter; they do not usually form in home cultivation.
- Growth rate: Very fast, making it an ideal choice for covering and shading large surfaces in a short time.
- Curiosities: In ancient times, certain parts of the plant were used in ancestral rituals due to the alkaloids present in its flowers and leaves. This also implies its toxicity, to be taken into account in spaces with pets and children.
Ornamental uses and advantages in gardening
The Solandra maxima is highly versatile for different uses in gardens and outdoor spaces:
- Ideal for covering walls, fences, pergolas and trellises, providing natural shade and privacy.
- Perfect for creating green screens and windbreaks, thanks to its lushness and accelerated growth.
- Provides a exotic and tropical effect with its striking flowers, ideal for jungle-inspired or subtropical gardens.
- Its evergreen foliage ensures dense coverage all year round.
- The aromatic flowers add a sensory value unique, especially on warm nights.
Solandra maxima care
Location, light and temperature
- Light: It prefers full sun, although it tolerates partial shade. For abundant and optimal flowering, it is recommended to receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Temperature: It thrives best in warm, temperate climates. It doesn't tolerate severe frosts; it only tolerates light, very short-term frosts, down to -3°C. In colder areas, it's advisable to grow it in containers to protect it during the winter.
- Microclimate: It can thrive in coastal or subtropical areas where temperatures never drop too low. Temperate zones such as certain parts of the Spanish coast or the Canary Islands are very favorable for its cultivation.
Substrate and soil
- Composition: It is not demanding, but prefers fertile and well-drained soils that avoid waterlogging. It tolerates acidic to neutral soils and accepts a small amount of clay as long as drainage is adequate.
- Driving: It is advisable to work and enrich the substrate with organic matter, such as compost or manure, before planting to promote nutrient retention and root health.
Irrigation
- Frequency: Moderate, especially during spring and summer, adjusting the frequency to weather conditions and plant size. Weekly watering is usually sufficient during the active vegetative stage.
- Winter: Significantly reduce watering in winter, as excess moisture promotes fungal diseases and excessive leaf growth, which is detrimental to flowering.
- Resistance: Once established, the plant shows some resistance to short periods of drought, although complete drying of the substrate should be avoided.
- Spray: In dry climates, spraying the foliage (avoiding wetting the flowers) is appreciated to maintain adequate relative humidity.
Fertilization
- Organic fertilizer: Adding compost or well-rotted manure in the fall helps enrich the soil and improve the overall health of the plant.
- Mineral fertilizers: During the flowering period, use a balanced fertilizer (NPK 15-15-15 or one specifically for flowering climbers) every 2-4 weeks, diluted in the irrigation water. Avoid excess nitrogen, as this will stimulate leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
- Avoid excesses: Excessive fertilization can be counterproductive, favoring vegetative development instead of flowering.
Pruning and maintenance
- Formation pruning: It is essential to control the size and shape of Solandra maxima, especially in small gardens.
- When to prune: After flowering, remove faded flowers and dry or damaged branches. You can also trim excessively long shoots to encourage denser, more branched growth.
- Maintenance pruning: Repeat once a year to maintain the desired shape and eliminate diseased areas, which promotes aeration and reduces the risk of pests and diseases.
- Drastic pruning: In very large or old specimens, more severe pruning can be performed to rejuvenate the plant and control its growth.
Multiplication and propagation
- By cuttings: The most common propagation method is through semi-woody cuttings taken in late spring or summer. It is recommended to use rooting hormones and keep the cuttings in moist soil and under partial shade until they take root.
- By layering: It can also be propagated by layering low branches, burying part of the stem without separating it from the mother plant until it develops its own roots.
- By seeds: It is much less common, since fruiting in cultivation is not usually abundant.
Common problems: pests, diseases, and toxicity
- Pests: Although Solandra maxima is hardy, it can occasionally be affected by aphids, mealybugs and mites, especially in very dry environments or after mild winters. It's essential to regularly check the undersides of leaves and young shoots.
- Diseases: Mildew y powdery mildew They can appear if there is excess humidity or waterlogging. Keeping the foliage dry and ensuring good soil drainage prevents the appearance of these fungi.
- Toxicity: All parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids, so should not be ingested Neither by people nor by pets. It is advisable to avoid planting them in gardens frequented by small children or curious pets.
- Night flowering: The flowers of Solandra maxima open preferably at night, releasing their fragrance and attracting nocturnal pollinators. This provides a unique sensory experience in gardens designed for evening events or nighttime celebrations.
- Growing in pots: It is viable in large containers in temperate or cold climates, moving the plant to sheltered locations during the winter to protect it from frost.
- Traditional uses: In some cultures, Solandra maxima had ritual and medicinal uses. However, given its toxicity, any use outside of ornamental gardening is discouraged.
- Ornamental compatibility: Due to its appearance and flowering, it combines well with other flowering climbers, such as bignonias and brugmansias, in tropical or mixed gardens.
La solandra maxima It stands out as one of the most spectacular and versatile climbers in the garden, capable of providing structure, shade, privacy, and exotic, fragrant blooms for much of the year. Its rapid growth facilitates the creation of natural green walls and roofs, while its resilience, when offered the right conditions, makes it an optimal choice for gardeners of all levels. If you're looking for a low-maintenance plant with a high visual and olfactory impact, Solandra maxima will exceed all your expectations.
