Angel trumpet (Brugmansia) is tropical plant native from Venezuela to Peru (USDA hardiness zones 7-b to 10). Plants are surprising hardy outdoors in zone 6-b in protected areas. This beautiful perennial/shrub, grown in tree form, reaches heights of 6-10 feet. It is a member of the Solanaceae family which includes tomato, potato, petunia, nicotiana and other great garden plants. 

They’re highly prized for their enormous fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers, some 10 inches or more in length. The exotic flowers emit a strong lemony scent over the evening hours. Blooms are pollinated by moths. Flower colors range from white, orange, yellow, and pink. Some varieties flaunt variegated foliage.

If you live in a northerly area, purchase angel trumpet in very early spring and grow it indoors to get it better established. Move the plant outdoors after threat of frost has passed. Plant angel trumpet in a large 16 inch wide (or bigger) container in well-drained potting soil (media). If you live in a mild temperate climate (zone 7 or higher), plant directly into a garden bed in a well-drained soil and keep well mulched. You may desire to relocate the weighty container atop a dolly around to various locations of the garden.

This fast growing plant demands lots of water, but will fail if constantly over-watered. Keep soil moist but allow soil dry slightly between waterings. Fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer such as Miracle-Gro®, Peters®, and Schultz®. In the summer, when plant growth is more rapid and most blooms form, feed every 2-3 weeks according to package directions. Cut back on fertilizing in fall and do not feed over winter.

In northerly areas, bring angel trumpet(s) inside as outdoor temperatures begin to drop below 40°F. If you garden where winters are mild, protect by setting poles around it and wrap with milky white plastic. You may opt to cut back entire plant to the ground and mulch heavily to protect the crown during winter.

Occasionally snip off old spent flowers to spur new growth. A container plant should be cutback to the ground for winter. Beware: sap from this plant is highly poisonous when ingested by humans, pets, or livestock.

For a large selection of angel trumpet hybrids, shop on-line at Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, NC.