Beaumontia

In the Garden > Flowering Plants & Shrubs

An interesting rare perfumed plant is Herald's Trumpet (Beaumontia grandiflora) which has wonderful large white flowers with a sweet tropical perfume. It is a vigorous woody climber which is native to the region from India to Vietnam and belongs to the same plant family (Apocynaceae) as Oleanders, Frangipanis and Mandevillas which typically bleed a white milky sap from cut stems.

Plant details

Common name: Herald's Trumpet
Botanic name: Beaumontia grandiflora
Climate: Will grow best in the warmer zones of Australia, north of Coffs Harbour, NSW. It prefers sub-tropical and tropical conditions to thrive and can look miserable in areas where temperatures fall below 10°C.
Description: Herald's Trumpet is technically a climber but is normally grown as a shrub to 2-3m (6-10') tall with dark glossy green leaves that are deeply veined. The large white flowers have a rich tropical scent and flowers through the warmer periods of the year, spring and summer.

Good points:

Strongly perfumed plant for the garden
Attractive foliage during cooler months of the year as well as large white flowers through spring and summer
Twining growth habit that needs support and can be grown as a shrub
Could be grown in other areas of Australia in a warm micro-climate

Bad points:

It is quite a rare plant which may be difficult to find

Uses:

Unusual specimen plant in the garden
As a climber against a fence
Perfumed plant for a summer garden

Likes:

Full sun
Well-drained soil

Care:

Protect from frost, particularly when young

Availability

Herald's Trumpets are rare plants but can be found in nurseries in the best climate zone. A 15cm (6") pot costs approximately $8.

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