Brugmansia is sometime confused with lookalike Datura, to which it is related. They share a common name (“Angel Trumpet”) and flower shape. The bloom orientation easily distinguishes the two. Brugmansia flowers dangle like bells, while Datura blooms are upright. Brugmansia seed pods are smooth while Datura’s are prickly, like a chestnut. Brugmansia has a woody stem; Datura is herbaceous, dying to the ground each winter.
Brugmansia is a bold plant, meant for the back of the border, as a specimen, or standing alone in a foundation planting. It is considered a tropical shrub or small tree, with mature height from 6 feet to 15 feet. It is cold hardy in zones 7b through 10, but can be grown as a houseplant or in a warm, protected microclimate (next to a brick home, for instance) in cooler locations. Use a thick winter mulch of leaves or pine needles to keep Brugmansia cozy in winter.
Brugmansia (pronounced brug-MAN-zee-ah) flowers come in beautiful shades of yellow, apricot, pink, or white. The petals of the funnel-shaped blooms can be as much as a foot long. A mature plant in full flower is impressive. Brugmansia does not start to flower until it reaches a degree of maturity. Purchase a rooted cutting rather than starting them from seeds to achieve flowers earlier. Strangely, cuttings taken from the same plant can vary in flower color when grown in different soils and sun exposures. Flowering lasts for weeks, often all the way to frost.
While the flowers are beautiful and sweetly fragrant, especially in evening, avoid inhaling too long. Lengthy exposure can cause headaches and even nausea. Crushed foliage smells bad.
Brugmansia is not a plant for shade. It prefers partial sun to look best. The eastern side of a house, with morning sun and afternoon shade, is an ideal location. If a mature plant starts to look wilted or leaves turn pale green, the diagnosis is usually too much sun. It is not demanding as to soil type, and is moderately drought tolerant once established. Brugmansias are hungry and thirsty. Flowering will be more profuse with regular fertilization and irrigation, although boggy soils induce root rot.
The leaves and flowers of Brugmansia are toxic if ingested. Deer normally don’t nibble plants or flowers.
Brugmansia flower
The adjacent brick wall provides warmth for this Brugmansia, extending its flowering season by several weels.