Family: Solanaceae
Common Name: Chalice Vine

These climbing, woody shrubs or vines have alternate, simple, entire leaves which are leathery and glossy. The large, funnel-shaped flowers are often fragrant, especially at night.

Species

S. grandiflora, the most commonly grown species, is a large, coarse vine, growing to 10 m (33 ft). It has large, glossy leaves and white solitary flowers which turn a brownish yellow colour.

S. guttata, gold cup or trumpet plant, is a climbing shrub from Mexico that blooms intermittently throughout the year. The pale yellow flowers have purple throats.

S. maxima, golden chalice vine, is similar to S. guttata, but grows higher, reaching about 4-5 m (13-16 ft). It is also a native of Mexico. The 20 cm (8 in) long, chalice-shaped flowers are yellow and are conspicuously lined with purple.

Cultivation

Outside the warm subtropics or tropics, grow in an intermediate to warm green-house or conservatory. Grow in a large pot of soil-based potting compost. Provide maximum light, but shade from direct sun. The stems will need supports of some kind and can be trained into the roof. Prune in late winter to keep plant within its allotted space. Outdoors solandras like fertile soil and full sun. Propagate from seed in spring germinated at 18°C (64°F) or from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, with basal warmth.

Climate

Warmest parts of zone 10 or tropical.