Fragrant, Glowing Angel's Trumpets
Consider Brugmansia and Datura for a Fragrant Garden
Jan 13, 2009
Alternately called Angel’s Trumpet or Devil’s Trumpet, these closely related specimens are an enticing addition to flower beds for heavenly fragrance and a dazzling show of blooms.
Brugmansia and Datura
Many plants share the somewhat generic titles of Angel’s Trumpet; the two most frequently planted are Brugmansia and Datura. Though these plants share nicknames and have similar blooms and forms, there are differences. Brugmansia, a South American native will return year after year in most Southern US zones and Datura, also originating in South America, is an annual and does best when planted yearly using fresh seeds.
Both plants have a trumpet shaped flower; that of the Brugmansia hangs from the stem while Datura’s flowers most often point upward. Brugmansia emits an enticing evening fragrance and appears to glow in the dark, making it ideal as a focal point in a moon garden. Under appropriate growing conditions and with proper care Brugmansia can appear to be a tree, but it is actually a shrub. Datura is considered by many to be a weed (jimson weed), but when grown for landscaping purposes it takes the look of a shrub as well. Datura’s fragrance can be described as spicy or lemony.
Care of Brugmansia
Brugmansia flowers come in shades ranging from the purest white to a miniature version with striking red blooms. Double bloomers in variegated shades such as Creamcicle are available. Once springs’ new growth is accomplished the brugmansia flowers prolifically, about every three weeks in optimum conditions. Each burst of blooms is called a flush and established plantings will have hundreds of fragrant blossoms.
Deadhead often as blooms wither away to be rewarded with an upcoming flush!
Brugmansia thrive in full sun with lots of water and an acidic soil. Regular feedings between flushes encourages blooms that are even more prolific. As cooler temperatures occur in fall, one may be tempted to cut the plant back, however, often another flush occurs as temperatures border on freezing.
Care of Datura
Datura makes one wait longer for its amazing burst of blooms. July’s end or the beginning of August will see the show in whichever variety of colors one has chosen. Datura is available in plain and multi colors; some have double flowers. This species prefers a rich, often moist soil and benefits from regular feedings as well. While Datura prefers full sun, blooms may occur in indirect or partial sun.
Seed pods appear along with the blossoms. These may be clipped off and allowed to open in a plastic bag, providing seed for next year’s plantings. If allowed to burst outside, one may be overcome with an abundance of spindly, poorly performing plants next summer.
Short summer growing seasons may require Brugmansia and Datura to be started indoors in large pots in Northern zones and treated as a houseplant during winter months. However, a web search displays photos of both from all climates in many parts of the world.
Wear gloves when pruning these specimens, as with any potentially poisonous plant. Plant Brugmansia where an extensive root system has room to develop. This Angel’s Trumpet may be propagated from cuttings.
Enjoy the enticing fragrance and night-glowing blooms in the summer garden.
 |
 |
 |
