Date: 27 Jun 2018
TROPICAL GARDENING: How to grow Brugmansia (Angel Trumpet) in the ground outside.
Q: I recently moved from New Jersey to Florida and I brought with me my Brugmansia that I used to have as a house plant. Can I plant it in the ground now?
A: Angel Trumpet - Brugmansia - is a very popular container plant
valued for its large, stunning fragrant flowers. Originated from South
America, it will be happy to grow in tropical to subtropical climate outdoors.
These are a few useful tips to get the most out of this beautiful plant:
1) Light. Plant it in full sun - the more sun, the more flowers
you get, although Brugmansias tolerate shade. If the plant was previously
grown in container indoors, to avoid leaf burn, keep it protected with a shade
cloth or simply white sheet for a while and gradually open to adjust to full
sun.
2) Soil and fertilizer. Use fertile soil with lots of organic
matter (add compost to existing soil). It must be very well drained, Angel
Trumpet won't tolerate waterlogged conditions. Plant it on a little "hill"
elevated 3-4" above the surrounding area. Brugmansias are very heavy feeders. Once
the plant is established, fertilize on regular basis with Slow Release Fertilizer - a handful once a
month.
3) Water. Water daily until established. Once the root system is
well developed, the plant is drought tolerant and won't require too much
care. But at the beginning, watch the leaves - the lush foliage droops quickly
if the plant is thirsty.
4) Plan space. Brugmansia is a short tree, but it needs a lot of
room to spread branches with its heavy hanging flowers. Think 12" wide and
maybe almost as much tall.
5) Support. Being widespread plant, Brugmansia can be blown with
strong winds. Stake with strong support until established.
6) Propagation. Brugmansia is one of the few plants that
propagates with semi-woody cuttings; soft green cuttings usually have little
success. Other than that, it is pretty easy!
Check out our Brugmansia collection and... collect them all!
