The spectacular blooms known as Angel’s Trumpets grow on plants that are vase-shaped shrubs or small trees. The leaves are big, about 6-8 inches, and the blooms that hang down are large, pendulous, and fragrant, especially at night. The plants also produce oval fruits that are 3-6” long. These are tropical plants that don’t survive cold winters, and they like plenty of water and an acidic soil. Do not grow them in boggy soil, however, or they will rot.
To keep them blooming in the summer, fertilize often, even as much as a few times a week, using water-soluable fertilizer ,not the slow-release kind. Formulas such as 15-30-15 suit them well.
They grow easily from seed and cuttings, so start new ones each year. They are susceptible to lots of pests, but NEEM oil spray seems to be effective as an antidote.
Do not grow these extremely poisonous plants if you have small children or curious pets. Every part of the plant is extremely toxic!
The botanical name for this plant is Brugmansia, and it likes full sun but, in very hot summers, appreciates afternoon shade. Native to South America, it enjoys growing in our zones 9-11 best. The bell-like blooms can be white, peach, pink, orange and yellow.
This is Moya Andrews, and today we focused on Angel's Trumpets.
