Angel’s Trumpet

• Size: Typically about 1.2 m (4 ft) tall × 1.0 m (3.3 ft) wide in a container, depending on pruning and variety.
• Foliage: Large, soft, mid-green leaves that give a lush, tropical feel; often slightly hairy, usually ovate to elliptic.
• Flower: Very large, showy, hanging trumpet-shaped flowers in white, yellow, pink, or red; often strongly fragrant in the evening and at night.
• Flowering Season: Summer to autumn (may flower repeatedly in warm, bright conditions).
• Growth Habit: Tall, woody shrub or small tree; upright, branching, and easily shaped—can be kept compact with pruning.

Sunlight

Full sun to partial sun. Indoors, give the brightest spot you have; in very hot climates, a little protection from scorching midday sun helps prevent stress.

Temperature

Ideal 16–25°C (61–77°F). Protect from cold; bring indoors before temperatures fall below about 10°C (50°F).

Humidity

Moderate humidity; does best with decent airflow, which also helps reduce pest outbreaks.

Soil

Rich, fertile, well-draining potting mix. Keep evenly moist during active growth but never waterlog; a 20–30 cm (8–12 in) pot suits many container plants (increase one size if root-bound).

Placement

Conservatory/greenhouse, bright sunroom, or a sheltered patio in warm seasons. Overwinter in a cool, bright indoor spot.

Hardiness

Not frost-hardy; typically grown outdoors year-round only in frost-free climates (roughly USDA Zone 10–11) or kept as a container plant overwintered indoors.

Difficulty

Easy, as long as it gets strong light, regular watering during active growth, and protection from frost.

Buying Guide

Pick a plant with sturdy stems and clean, unmarked leaves. Avoid sticky residue, fine webbing, or visible clusters of insects—common signs of whitefly, spider mites, or aphids. If buying in bloom, look for lots of healthy buds that aren’t dropping.

Watering

Spring through early autumn: keep the mix consistently moist (moist, not soggy). Winter: reduce watering sharply—keep it just barely moist and never leave the pot standing in water.

Fertilization

Spring: feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Summer: switch to a high-potassium (high-potash) fertilizer to encourage flowering; follow label rates to avoid salt build-up in containers.

Pruning

After flowering, wear gloves and shorten stems to keep a compact, well-branched shape. Avoid overly hard pruning, which can reduce flowering.

Propagation

Semi-ripe or softwood cuttings taken during the growing season; roots readily in warm, bright conditions.

Repotting

Repot every 2–3 years using fresh, fertile, free-draining mix. Use a 20–30 cm (8–12 in) pot or move up one size when root-bound.

📅 Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring–early autumn: strong light, even moisture, and regular feeding (balanced in spring, high-potassium in summer). Summer–autumn: enjoy flowering; keep watering steady. After flowering: prune lightly for shape. Winter: move indoors to a cool, bright place and water sparingly. Repot every 2–3 years.

Common Pests & Diseases

Common indoor pests include whitefly, aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Increase airflow, rinse foliage, and treat early with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if needed. Overwatering can cause root issues—use a free-draining mix and avoid waterlogged pots.

Toxicity

Extremely toxic to humans and pets. All parts contain potent tropane alkaloids; ingestion can cause severe poisoning. Keep out of reach, wear gloves when pruning/handling, and wash hands afterward.

Symbolism: A plant of dramatic beauty and “bewitching” fragrance—often linked to enchantment, with an undertone of danger because of its toxicity.

History & Legends: Native to South America, Brugmansia has been cultivated for centuries. Its powerful natural chemistry has contributed to cautionary folklore and stories about respecting the plant’s strength.

Uses: Mainly grown as an ornamental for its huge, fragrant flowers—ideal for conservatories, greenhouses, bright large rooms, and sheltered warm-season patios.

Why does my angel’s trumpet smell stronger at night?

Many Brugmansia release their strongest perfume at dusk and overnight to attract nocturnal pollinators in their native habitats—so evening fragrance is a normal (and wonderful) trait.

Is angel’s trumpet the same as datura?

No. They’re related (both in the nightshade family), but Brugmansia typically has large, hanging flowers and woody shrub/tree growth, while many Datura have more upright flowers and a more herbaceous habit.

Can I keep it outdoors year-round?

Only in frost-free climates (about USDA Zone 10–11). In cooler regions it’s usually grown in a container and brought indoors before temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F).

• The strongest fragrance often appears at dusk and during the night—timed perfectly for nighttime pollinators.
• Angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia) is often confused with Datura, but Brugmansia flowers usually hang downward, while many Datura flowers point upward.