Information on Growing Angel Trumpet Plants

Angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia aurea) is a tropical plant native to South America. While it grows at high altitudes in the wild, it is frost sensitive and is only hardy from U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 7 to 11, growing better in warmer climates. Angel’s trumpet has foot-long flowers that hang from the plant from spring to fall, making a bold focal point for gardens. As a member of the nightshade family, the plant is highly toxic and should not be planted around small children or pets.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Compost
• Spade
• 15-5-10 fertilizer

1. Clear weeds, grass and rocks from a site with full sun and well-drained soil. Add 4 to 6 inches of compost and work it into the soil to a depth of about 8 inches before planting.
2. Dig a hole for the angel’s trumpet as deep as the root ball and two times as wide. Place the angel’s trumpet into the hole and fill the hole with soil. Pat the soil down firmly
3. Water the angel’s trumpet regularly throughout the summer. Add about 1 to 2 inches of water to the plant each week for the best growth.
4. Fertilize your angel’s trumpet with 15-5-10 fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks for the best blooms. Apply 1 tbs. of fertilizer for every plant. The numbers indicate the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the fertilizer.
5. Prune the angel’s trumpet back in the fall after the blooms fade. Dead-head the flowers and remove any dead, damaged or diseased foliage. Cut the angel’s trumpet into any shape you desire. If you live in a climate colder than zone 9, you can cut the angel’s trumpet back to the ground and cover the ground with mulch to protect the roots.

Tips & Warnings

• Plants are easy to root from cuttings.

• If potted, the plant may be overwintered indoors in zones lower than 8, either in a sunny window, or prune back and store in a cool basement or garage.

• If the angel’s trumpet’s roots freeze the plant will die.