|
Solandra maxima (Cup of Gold Vine) - A large, evergreen vine (technically a liana as it is more of a large clambering shrub) that can climb with support to 20 feet or more and spread to 40 feet wide with 6 to 8 inch long thick elliptical leaves on thick stems and bearing 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.
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.
Solandra maxima is native to Mexico, Central America south to Venezuela. The genus was named by the Swedish botanist Olof Swartz to honor 18th century Swedish botanist, Daniel Carl Solander who was one of Linnaeus' favorite students and a best friend of Sir Joseph Banks. In 1768 Solander embarked with Banks on Captain James Cook's travels around the world on the HMS Endeavour. The specific epithet is from the Latin word 'maximus' meaning "large" in reference to this species' large flowers. Other common names include Golden Chalice Vine and Hawaiian Lily. This plant has often in the past been sold as Solandra guttata, which is the valid name of a very similar species, also from Mexico, that has smaller flowers and pubescence on leaves and stems.
We grew this plant from the first days of our nursery in the early 1980s through closing in 2025. We also grew the variegated form Solandra maxima 'Variegata' that has the same flower but white margined leaves that are often stained purple when first emerging.
The information displayed on this page about Solandra maxima is based on the research we have conducted about it in our nursery library as well as from information provided by reliable online resources. We also include our own observations made about this plant as it grows in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant have performed in the containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we have received from others and welcome hearing from anyone with information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information that will aid others to better grow it.
|
