Brugmansia, commonly called angel’s trumpet, produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers in pink, white or salmon. Under the right conditions, they will bloom all year. Angel’s trumpets thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10b through 11, but you can also grow them as indoor container plants. These plants produce the most blooms when they receive the proper care, regular fertilizing and occasional pruning. Angel’s trumpets like sun, but they do not like excessive heat. An ideal location is one that receives morning sun and evening shade. Too much sun will cause loss of blooms.
Water the plants thoroughly so that the soil stays moist. The leaves will wilt when the plant is thirsty. Although angel’s trumpet tolerates drought and responds well when watered, lack of water affects future flower production.
Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant in dry conditions. The mulch will help the soil retain moisture.
Fertilize angel’s trumpet with a well-balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Do not use slow-release fertilizers. Feed outdoor plants every two weeks during the growing season with a 17-17-17 fertilizer. Feed indoor plants every two weeks while the plant is in bloom with a 15-5-10 fertilizer.
Supplement the fertilizer with ammonium nitrate. Mix 1 1/2 tablespoons to 1 gallon of water, and apply in early spring and late summer for both indoor and outdoor angel’s trumpets.
Mix 1 tablespoon of magnesium sulfate with 1 gallon of water. Feed the solution to both indoor and outdoor plants once a month during active growth.
Trim the plants in the fall to remove lateral branches but do not cut the leader. Angel’s trumpets do not require pruning, but pruning will promote extra flowers as blooms develop on new growth.
Watch for plant pests and treat accordingly. Use a miticide to eliminate spider mites, and apply pyrethrum to deal with aphids, mealybugs and whiteflies. Pick snails and slugs off by hand.
Things You Will Need
- Well-draining potting soil
- Pots with drainage holes
- Organic mulch
- Water-soluble 17-17-17 fertilizer
- Water-soluble 15-5-10 fertilizer
- Ammonium nitrate
- Magnesium sulfate
- Pruning shears
- Angel’s trumpets are very tolerant of pruning. They can be trimmed to keep them at a certain size or to develop into a particular shape.
- Plant angel’s trumpets in well-draining soil. They like plenty of water, but are prone to root rot in wet locations. Use pots with drainage holes for indoor angel’s trumpets.
- All parts of angel’s trumpets are toxic. Do not eat any part of the plant.