James Burghardt
Family
Solanaceae
Botanical Name
Brugmansia
Plant Common Name
Angel's Trumpet
General Description
The genus Brugmansia comprises five species of tropical small trees or large shrubs native to Central and South America. Known as angel’s trumpets, these plants are notable for their spectacular, pendant, trumpet-shaped flowers that often have a haunting, exotic fragrance.
Where hardy, these woody plants are evergreen or semi-deciduous, and often have an open habit and multiple trunks. The usually large, hairy leaves are borne alternately, and may be whole or with coarse, spreading teeth. Showy bell or funnel-shaped, five-pointed flowers generally hang beneath the leaves, and appear in shades of red, peach, pink, white and yellow. They bear a sweet fragrance which is most prominent at night, and are pollinated by moths and other night fliers. Most often, blooms are produced in spring, though some species flower sporadically throughout the year. After pollination, the flowers are followed by prominent, spindle-shaped fruit.
Angel’s trumpets make a bold statement in any vivacious border or tropical container garden. One of the most popular varieties in cultivation is the hybrid Brugmansia x candida, a cross between the smaller-flowered B. aurea and the large-flowered B. versicolor. Its huge, down-facing flowers appear in shades of pale orange, peachy pink or white, and bloom throughout most of the year. Ecuadorian angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia versicolor) bears white flowers which may turn to peach or yellow within a day, depending upon the cultivar. The beautiful and unusual hybrid 'Peaches and Cream' has light green leaves edged irregularly in white, and large, open, pale peach blooms.
Though hardiness and culture varies somewhat among species, most angel’s trumpets prefer full sun, consistent moisture and light but regular feeding to ensure maximum bloom production. Some can take a bit of shade, though less sunlight may limit flowering and cause the plants to stretch. These plants will die if exposed to hard freezes, though a few will tolerate light frost. In colder zones, they are easily grown in containers to be moved indoors in winter. Angel’s trumpets are easily propagated from air layering or cuttings from mature wood.
There are potential health concerns regarding this plant. To learn more go to http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/Brugmsp.htm.
