Datura discolor (Desert Thorn Apple)

Datura discolor is one of the most striking members of the Datura family, grown for its enormous, exotic trumpet-shaped flowers. The blooms open creamy white, but the real surprise is inside: a rich purple-violet throat creates a dramatic two-tone effect that makes each flower look almost hand-painted. Pleasantly fragrant, six inch white flowers flushed purple or indigo in the throat.

Native to the dry subtropical regions of the southwestern United States, Mexico and Central America, Datura discolor is naturally adapted to heat, bright sun and relatively dry conditions. It grows quickly into a broad, branching plant with large gray-green leaves and can begin flowering while still quite young. In warm weather, new buds may appear continuously, making it an impressive seasonal specimen for sunny gardens and large containers.

The flowers are especially beautiful in the evening, when the big trumpets open against the darker foliage. After flowering, the plant develops the characteristic spiny seed capsules that give Datura its common name, Thorn Apple.

Grow Datura discolor in full sun to light partial shade in well-drained soil. It appreciates regular water and feeding while actively growing, but good drainage is important. In frost-free or very warm climates it can reseed and return, while gardeners in colder areas can enjoy it as a fast-growing annual or container specimen.

A wonderful choice for collectors of unusual flowering plants, desert and xeric gardens, moon gardens.