Brugmansia (Angel’s Trumpet)

Prized for their tropical look and impressive trumpet-shaped blossoms, Brugmansias (Angel’s Trumpets) are evergreen shrubs or small trees of great beauty. Fragrant, these South American natives release their powerful scent most readily in the evenings. Long-lived and incredibly decorative, they are fairly easy to grow and add high drama to the garden or containers. Angel’s Trumpets rank as a top choice among tropical flowers for enthusiasts and gardeners.

• Belonging to the Solanaceae family, Brugmansia species are divided into two genetically and regionally different groups. The warm group prefers warmer, sunny locations and includes the species aurea, insignis, suaveolens, and versicolor. The cold group thrives in cool, humid climates where temperatures never go below 32° (0°C). It includes Brugmansia arborea, Brugmansia sanguinea, Brugmansia x rubella and Brugmansia vulcanicola.
• Brugmansias should not be confused with Daturas. Brugmansias are long-lived, woody perennials with pendant, large trumpet-shaped flowers, 6-24 in. long (15-60 cm), and rarely set seed. In contrast, Daturas are short-lived herbaceous perennials with smaller, upright flowers, 2-8 in. long (5-20 cm), and set seed freely.
• Brugmansias are not winter hardy and can be grown in the ground in zones 9-11. They can be grown as annuals in northern climates or brought inside when temperatures begin to cool.
• There is great diversity among Brugmansia flowers in terms of size, color (white, yellow, gold, orange, peach and pink), and flower form (single, double, triple, quadruple).
• Some cultivars bloom throughout the growing season, others flower in flushes every 6-8 weeks, while some only produce flowers in cool weather. Some produce lots of flowers while others have few flowers. Blooming performance depends highly on light, pH, nutrition, temperature, and humidity.
• Brugmansias are fast growers ranging from 6-20 ft. tall (180-600 cm), depending on varieties and climate areas. They can grow over 5 ft. (150 cm) in one growing season alone if properly fertilized.
• Full sun lovers, Brugmansia are best grown in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils. Afternoon shade is appreciated in hot summer areas.
• Brugmansias are heavy feeders and need regular fertilization during the growing season to promote new growth and flowers.
• Best flower and leaf production are obtained at temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Brugmansia do not form buds when temperatures are under 55°F (12°C).
• In cool winter areas, grow them outdoors in full sun after the danger of frost is passed. Bring them inside when temperatures begin to cool. They can be treated as a houseplant in winter and will continue to flower year-round if placed in a sunny spot, and temperatures are above 60˚F (15˚C). In warm winter areas, plant them as specimen shrubs in beds and borders, in Mediterranean gardens or in containers.
• Brugmansias are virtually disease free. Watch for glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly, thrips and mealybugs when grown under glass.
• All parts are highly toxic if ingested, and sap may be an irritant.