How To Care For Your Brugmansia
The Brugmansia has one of the largest flowers in the plant kingdom. As an added bonus, these gigantic flowers have a wonderful fragrance at night.
Size and Growth Rate
Evergreen tree or shrub with large, grey-green velvety leaves. In the wild, these plants can be quite large, up to 20 feet, and even in cultivation, they can grow to well over five feet. In a tub, they most often grow to about eight feet. They are fast growing.
Flowering and Fragrance
The flowers, which appear in the summer and early fall, are large, and trumpet-shaped with turned edges. The colors range from white, yellow, peach or pink. They have an intense fragrance at night, much fainter during the day.
Light and Temperature
Needs plenty of light throughout the year. Happiest outdoors in filtered sun/afternoon shade. Over winter at about 55 degrees F with high humidity.
Watering and Feeding
Plenty of water during the summer. When in flower, everyday watering is recommended, especially in hot weather. Water sparingly in the fall and winter but never allow it to dry out. Feed at least once a week in spring and summer and gradually reduce fertilizer as fall approaches
Soil and Transplanting
Potting soil should be well-drained and moderately rich but not too acid. Pot in the spring or top dress older plants with fresh soil. Be sure to use a large enough pot.
General Care
Cut back leggy plants in the spring to encourage bushier growth. Prune to shape during the growing season. This is a large plant so give it plenty of room. Excellent for a patio or terrace in the summer, or all year in the greenhouse and conservatory.
THROUGH THE YEAR WITH THE BRUGMANSIA
May-June:
Depending on the area, a tub plant may be placed out in a sheltered place in the garden, with early morning sun or dappled sun. This plant is very frost-tender.
July –September:
The Brugmansia will start to bloom now and can stand outside all through the summer. Water daily and feed once a week, especially when the plant is in flower.
Late September
(or when there is a risk of frost) – move the plant indoors again. Choose the most humid location possible. If not possible, misting the Brugmansia will be beneficial.
October-January
This is when the plant rests. Reduce watering but never let the soil dry out completely. Do not feed.
February
Pot the plant if it needs it. Older plants may be content with a top dressing of fresh soil. Prune the plant to encourage more compact, bushy growth
March – April
Begin to water well, again, and feed once a week. Sow seeds now if available. If the plant is going to be moved out for the summer, begin to harden it off by opening the window for a few hours each day or place the plant outside if warm enough.
