Maybe you have noticed Brugmansias growing in gardens around La Jolla in recent years. A native of the subtropical regions of South America, the Brugmansia is commonly known as “Angel’s Trumpet” and can be recognized by its large, trumpet-shaped flowers that hang down facing the ground. A member of the Solanaceae or “nightshade” plant family that includes eggplant, potatoes, peppers and tobacco, the plant was named after the famed Dutch natural history professor, Sebald Justin Brugmans (1763-1819).
Many years ago, I attempted to grow a Brugmansia in my garden after seeing a few beautiful plants at the Del Mar Fair. While these plants can grow wildly in some gardens, I did not have luck with mine, most likely due to the amount of sunlight it received in my partially shaded garden. My poor, weak plant was ravaged by insects and withered and died. Giving up on growing one for myself, I have always enjoyed seeing them in other people’s gardens, so I was very happy to be informed about a beautiful one growing just across the street from me.
For years, I had noticed an apricot-colored Brugmansia in my neighbor’s front yard, but had never noticed the large white specimen growing toward the back of the property. Originally planted by the late Leslie Green, the Brugmansia is having one of its best years and is thriving next to a lemon tree. While we are not quite sure what created all the flowers this year, it is assumed that giving the plant a good slow soaking of water, and the hot weather we experienced this past summer, may have contributed to its happy display of huge white flowers.
Exotic and tropical-looking Brugmansias, or “Brugs” as they are called by growing aficionados, can be grown as shrubs or small trees and can reach heights of 6 to 12 feet. The trumpet-shaped flowers can be as long as 12 inches, and they have a heavenly, intoxicating scent when they open in the early evening hours “” a wonderful addition to any garden environment. Preferring areas with warm days and cool nights, the plant blooms from late spring to fall, but with proper care, it has been known to bloom year-round in our area. Flower colors range from white, which is the most common, to cream, pink, yellow, apricot, orange and red. There are also hybrids that display a more ruffled flower edge and leaves that are variegated in color.
As I found out the hard way along our coast, the Brugmansia needs to be planted in full sunlight where it can be warm and flourish. In inland areas, it would be prudent to plan a place for it in the garden with some afternoon shade. Most growers agree that the more sunlight the plant receives, the more flowers it will produce. It is also recommended to keep the plant away from areas with strong winds, which could break young, fragile branches.
Brugmansias can be grown successfully in both the ground or in containers. If you grow them in a container, it is recommended you start with at least a 5- to 7-gallon container for a small to medium plant, and as it grows, be prepared to place it in a 10-gallon container. The larger the pot, the better chance you will have for more flowers. Make certain your pot has adequate drainage and that you use a potting soil that drains well. When you see the plant’s roots come through the hole, it is time to repot or trim the roots back and give the plant new soil.
Fertilize your plant with a good kelp-based organic fertilizer, along with one that produces flowers, such as Dr. Earth’s Flower Food. If you are not using organic products in your garden, Miracle Grow has also been recommended. Another tip: you can use Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate), at a mixture of 1 tablespoon per gallon of water once per month. Water your Brugmansia regularly, but do not over-water or let the roots sit in water “” good drainage is a necessity. Whether you keep your plants in pots or the ground, Brugmansias need to be watered and fed regularly to produce an abundance of flowers.
Pests can be a problem for the Brugmansia. Keep the area around your plants baited for snails and slugs, use ladybugs and water/soap sprays to control aphids, Neem or Pyrethrum sprays for sucking and leaf-eating insects, and BT-Bacillus Thurigensis to control caterpillars. My neighbor’s plant is thriving in its sunny location without the benefit of pest control, most likely due to its strong, healthy condition ” pests are attracted to weak plants.
Pruning during the dormant winter season will help your plant to produce more flowers the following year ” the more plant limbs, the more flowers the plant will produce. While doing this research, I found so many different suggestions on how to prune that it is best to check with your local nursery for a recommendation. Keep your cuttings, because you can propagate them and have more plants for your garden or to share. Local nurseries carry a plant hormone that can be used along with special soils for propagation.
As with many beautiful, exotic plants, please be aware that all parts of the Brugmansia are highly toxic. The Brugmansia is considered by many to be a dangerous plant for the garden, especially if you have children or pets that might try and eat it. I have also read that some areas of the country ban them as landscape plants. Also, use caution when pruning or handling the plant’s seed pod, which can also have toxic effects when handled. Rubber gloves are recommended.
Gardens Wanted ” The La Jolla Historical Society’s ninth annual Secret Garden Tour of Old La Jolla will be taking place in May 2007. The garden tour committee is actively seeking La Jolla gardens; please call me if you have a special garden to suggest.
Linda Marrone, a local Realtor with a passion for gardening, can be reached for your gardening questions at: [email protected] or (858) 459-4173.