What is Beaumontia?

Beaumontia is a plant genus that is part of the Apocynaceae family. It contains about nine species of climbing vines that are native to southeast Asia. The plants feature leathery leaves and long, branching stems that have a woody texture. Landscapers utilize these plants as wall cover or for trellises. The plants within the Beaumontia genus are prone to insect infestation, particularly from the whitefly.

This genus is named after Lady Diana Beaumont of Bretton Hall, Yorkshire. Most of the species in this genus have common names that describe the shape of the flower. For example, Beaumontia grandiflora and Beaumontia jerdoniana are both commonly called Easter lily vine, herald's trumpet, or Nepal trumpet flower.

A majority of the plants in the Beaumontia genus grow in forests on mountain slopes, along river banks, or in the valleys of southeast Asia. B. grandiflora is widely spread, populating the landscapes of China, Nepal, India, and several other southeastern Asian countries. B. pitardii is endemic to southern China and Vietnam. B. khasiana grows in India and Myanmar.

The Easter lily vine can grow up to 65 feet (20 m) in length. It features woody stems that are covered with leaves that range in size from 1-6 inches (3-15 cm). The stems are commonly cut and used as rope, while the leaves are used in a variety of herbal medicines.

Distributed along the stem are white, trumpet-shaped flowers. The flowers are fragrant, and they generally attract butterflies and other insects. This plant blooms during the summer and early fall.

When growing the Easter lily vine, it is important to avoid over-watering. Generally, the soil should dry out for a few days between waterings. Too much water can lead to fungal growth.

Adding a fertilizer to the soil every four weeks during the spring typically improves flower growth and the overall appearance of the vine. It is recommended to use a fertilizer rich in nitrogen and potassium and either add it directly into the soil or mix it with water. Both methods ensure the plant gets the nutrients it needs.

It is recommended to treat the Easter Lily Vine with fungicide during the early spring to reduce the chance of fungal infection. Also, applying preventive insecticide is also recommended since the flowers and buds attract whiteflies. The whitefly is a gnat-like orange insect with wings. It typically causes brown spots on leaves, which leads to curling, and eventually the leaf will drop.