The Angels Trumpets
Commonly called Angel’s Trumpets, Brugmansia plants were previously called Datura, whatever the name they are readily available for sale online.
A native to South America, Brugmansia are a small to mid-size tree with large, strong-smelling, trumpet-shaped flowers hanging downward.
Flower colours vary from pure white flowering angels trumpets (Brugmansia candida) through to pinks and reds depending on species and cultivar.
Brugmansia Care
A well mulched humus rich soil, moist but well drained and a reasonably sunny position. Brugmansia do not like it really hot so a position in morning sun is best in warmer climates.
- Brugmansia Climate Zone
Most species will grow from cool climates to tropical. - Position
Best in light shade or morning sun and afternoon shade. They grow naturally as an understory plant. - Soil
A humus rich well drained soil is best. - Watering
Watering is recommend through the first summer. After that these tough plants require little extra watering is grown in good soil and shade. - Fertiliser
In good soil, with annual application of mulch a yearly application of a general-purpose slow release fertiliser in spring should be enough to keep them happy.
Water soluble fertilizer is probably the best in poorer soils as Brugmansia are a reasonably hungry plant so feed every week during the growing season for better flowers.
The best fertiliser is a low nitrogen – high potassium type as this will increase flowering.
- Frost and Freezes
Brugmansia are not regarded as a hardy plant, they will not take freezes and are not really frost tolerant. - Height and Width
A width of 3 Metres is a guide in a mature plant. Height is usually around 4metres however they can grow taller, nearly 10m in some conditions. - Planting distance
As a general guide planting distance should be 4m apart. This differs with the variety
Pruning Brugmansia
Pruning Brugmansia should be carried out with gloves on, plants can be cut back to maintain shape or pruned to a standard form.
When to prune
They are best pruned in summer when they can put on some new growth before winter, this tends to prevent die back.
You will often notice growth nodes and shoots rather low on the plant and they can be pruned back to these. They propagate readily from cuttings.
Species and Varieties
Species include
- Brugmansia aurea
- Brugmansia x candida ‘culebra’
- x candida
- sanguinea,
- sauveolens
- versicolor
Common Brugmansia Problems
Not Flowering
Plants that will not flower are probably not getting enough light, although they like part shade, to little light will inhibit flowering.
Yellowing Leaves
A common problem in cooler climates is for Brugmansia leaves to yellow and fall off. So if its winter and cold and wet then don’y worry to much about yellowing leaves, they should come back when the weather warms up.
At other times of the year the problem could be, hot and dry weather, aphids, mites or a virus. Poor soil can also be a problem.
So examine the leaves for pests, make sure the plant is getting enough water, mulch well and feed with a general purpose slow release fertiliser.
Propagation
Brugmansia can be propagated from cuttings, a 10 – 15 cm cutting with a growth node is best. Use a sharp blade and cut at an angle. Remove the bottom leaves and cut back the upper leaves by 50%
Place the cutting in water a glass jar, cuttings usually root quickly and can can be planted into a container. Change the water every two days.
Alternatively you can grow the same cuttings in a sterile potting mix, keep moist and humid.
Brugmansia Angel’s Trumpets for sale online in Australia
132 Silver Valley Rd. MS 415 Mt.Garnet QLD 4872
Australia's largest collection & specialist breeders of world class frangipani cultivars & rare species. Includes Dwarf cultivars. Mail order specialists Australia & worldwide. Australia's biggest range of the Worlds best frangipani.
www.sacredgardenfrangipanis.com
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
email ask@plantmark.com.au
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au