Brugmansia, commonly known as Angel’s Trumpet, is a popular ornamental plant celebrated for its large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers.
Brugmansia Overview
These woody shrubs or small trees produce distinctive pendulous blooms. Their flowers range from 6 to 24 inches long and come in shades of white, yellow, orange, pink, and red. Many varieties release a strong, sweet fragrance, particularly noticeable in the evenings.
In cooler climates, they are often grown in containers and moved indoors for winter. In warmer, frost-free environments, they can develop into substantial woody shrubs or small trees, reaching heights of 6 to 30 feet. The genus includes several species, with variations in flower color.
Brugmansia Care
Brugmansia thrives in locations that receive ample sunlight, ideally six to eight hours of direct sun daily for optimal blooming. However, in hot or arid environments, providing some afternoon shade can prevent stress and scorching. They prefer consistently moist, well-draining soil, rich in organic matter. While they require significant water, especially during warm weather and blooming periods, they do not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Container-grown plants may need watering up to twice daily in peak summer heat.
These plants are heavy feeders, requiring regular fertilization to support vigorous growth and abundant flowering. During the growing season, apply a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks. Start with a balanced formula, then switch to a higher phosphorus one to encourage more blooms. Incorporating compost or a slow-release granular fertilizer at the start of the growing season also contributes to plant health.
Brugmansia prefers warm conditions and is sensitive to frost. In regions where temperatures drop below 45-50°F (7-10°C), bring container-grown plants indoors for winter. They can be overwintered as houseplants in a bright, warm room or allowed to go dormant in a cool, dark, frost-free location with minimal watering. Pruning helps maintain shape and encourages continuous flowering, as blooms appear on new wood. This can involve cutting back new growth to promote branching or removing dead stems, ideally in the fall or after bloom flushes.
Common pests include whiteflies, spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Regular inspection and treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil can manage infestations. Root rot can occur if the soil remains excessively wet, particularly during cooler temperatures. Fusarium and Verticillium wilt are fungal diseases that can cause wilting and stunted growth.
Propagating Brugmansia
Propagating Brugmansia is readily achieved through stem cuttings. Both softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings can be used, typically taken in spring or from older wood sections. Cuttings should be at least 6 inches long, with lower leaves removed to expose leaf nodes. Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a well-draining potting mix. When rooting in soil, insert the cutting about 2 inches deep and keep the medium consistently moist.
While less common for home gardeners, Brugmansia can also be propagated from seeds. Seed propagation can result in slower growth and potential variations from the parent plant. Seeds should be planted about half an inch deep in a sand and peat mixture, germinating within two to four weeks. Once seedlings develop their second set of leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Brugmansia Safety
All parts of the Brugmansia plant, including flowers, leaves, seeds, and stems, contain highly toxic compounds known as tropane alkaloids. Ingestion by humans or pets can lead to serious health issues, with symptoms ranging from intense thirst, blurred vision, and confusion to hallucinations, seizures, and even coma. Deaths have been reported in severe cases of poisoning.
When handling Brugmansia, it is important to take precautions. Wearing protective gloves and long-sleeved clothing is advisable, especially during pruning or repotting, as the sap can cause skin irritation. After handling, all tools should be thoroughly cleaned. To ensure safety, these plants should be placed in locations inaccessible to children and pets.