Angel Trumpets (Brugmansia) are known for their large, pendulous, trumpet-shaped flowers and intense evening fragrance. These plants grow into woody shrubs or small trees, adding a tropical flair to the garden. They are known for their fast growth rate. While often grown in containers, they can be planted directly into the ground. The feasibility of permanent in-ground planting depends entirely on the gardener’s geographical location and winter climate.
Determining If In-Ground Planting Is Feasible
Brugmansia species are native to South America and are classified as tropical or subtropical perennials. Their ability to survive outdoors year-round depends on sustained warm temperatures and the absence of hard frost. The defining factor for permanent in-ground planting is the minimum winter temperature of the region.
Gardeners in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11 can typically maintain Angel Trumpets in the ground without special winter protection. These zones rarely experience sustained freezing temperatures, allowing the root system to survive the cooler months. In these warmer climates, the plant may suffer minor leaf drop but quickly resumes growth in the spring.
Outside of these warm zones, in-ground planting is a temporary, seasonal arrangement. The plant cannot tolerate temperatures below 50°F for extended periods, and freezing temperatures will kill the plant. Even in Zone 8, survival is uncertain and requires heavy mulching to protect the roots from deep freezes. Gardeners in Zone 8 and colder must treat the plant as an annual or dig it up before the first hard frost.
Preparing the Planting Site and Soil
After deciding to plant in the ground, preparing the site is crucial. Angel Trumpets require substantial sunlight, ideally six to eight hours of direct sun daily for optimal bloom production. In regions with intense summer heat, the plant benefits from afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch and reduce stress.
The soil composition must be rich, fertile, and highly organic. The plant is a heavy feeder, and a nutrient-dense soil profile is necessary for abundant blooms. Incorporating liberal amounts of well-rotted manure or garden compost before planting will improve fertility and help the soil retain consistent moisture.
The soil must also be well-draining, as the plant will not tolerate standing water or soggy conditions. The ideal soil pH for Brugmansia is slightly acidic to neutral. Since in-ground specimens can rapidly grow up to six feet or more in a single season, adequate spacing is necessary to prevent overcrowding.
Overwintering Strategies for Non-Tropical Zones
For those outside frost-free areas, the survival of the Angel Trumpet depends on an overwintering strategy. This process begins in late fall, before the first hard frost, or once nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 50°F. The plant must be prepared for temporary dormancy to survive the cold season indoors.
Pruning and Digging
The first step involves significant pruning to reduce the plant’s size for easier storage. Prune the main branches back, ensuring cuts are made above the ‘Y’ shaped fork where the plant naturally begins to bloom. Pruning below this fork can substantially delay flowering in the following season, as the plant needs to re-establish the mature flowering structure.
Next, the plant must be dug up. The root ball should be reduced using a sharp spade to fit into a manageable container for the winter.
Forced Dormancy
The most common storage method is forced dormancy. The plant is placed in a cool, dark, and frost-free location, such as a garage or cellar, with temperatures ideally maintained between 35°F and 50°F. During dormancy, the plant will shed most of its leaves and should only be watered sparingly, perhaps once a month, just enough to keep the root ball barely moist.
A less common option is treating the plant as an active houseplant near a bright window, though this demands more watering and vigilance against pests. The plant should not be moved back outdoors until all danger of frost has passed in the spring.
Important Safety Considerations
Angel Trumpets are significantly toxic. All parts of the Brugmansia plant contain high concentrations of tropane alkaloids, including scopolamine and atropine. Ingestion of any part of the plant is highly poisonous to humans and pets, with effects ranging from hallucinations and confusion to severe symptoms affecting the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Caution is necessary when handling the plant. Gardeners should wear protective gloves when pruning, digging, or taking cuttings to minimize skin contact with the plant’s sap. Thorough handwashing is mandatory immediately after any interaction, particularly in households with curious children or pets who may access the garden area.