| |
Brugmansia sanguinea, the Red Angel's Trumpet is a small,
4 to 12 feet tall, perennial shrubby tree native to Peru
and the Andes. Brugmansia is a fast grower. It is closely
related to Datura, belonging to the same nightshade
family, solanaceae. Brugmansia blooms dangle like great
trumpets or bells from the large shrubs and range from 7
to 14 inches long, depending on the species. Datum blooms,
also large, stand erect. Brugmansia may be grown in
containers or in the garden.
The plant is commonly grown as an ornamental for its
flowers. The most spectacular flower display of the genus.
The flowers are 8 to 10 inches long, trumpet shaped,
pendulous, brilliant orange-red at the mouth with yellow
veins, and fading to yellow at the base, not fragrant. It
makes an extraordinary display in late Spring through
Summer, but can bloom for most of the year. They are
borne in abundance, up to 40 at a time. The stem is erect
and branching. Plants require minimal pruning, simply
removed old flower heads, although plants can be cut back
to base during Spring to rejuvenate every few years. It
requires cool Summer and cooler nights to bloom.
Leaves are 7 inch long, ovate, shining green on the upper
side. The fruit is top-shaped, spineless, 3.5 inches long.
All plant parts are highly poisonous and should never be
injested.
Hardiness zones 9-11, (-5°C/25°F, 4°C/40°F) in Winter.
Reputedly the hardiest of the Brugmansias, it will stand
short frosts, but generally does best in areas where the
temperature rarely drops below 32°F. Provide a minimum
Winter temperature of 7°C and reduce watering over the
Winter. In cold Winter areas plants can be brought
indoors.
Brugmansia sanguinea likes rich, moist soil. Apply a
balanced fertilizer biweekly or monthly during the
growing season. Plant likes regular water, especially
when growing. It doesn't like to dry out and will drop
leaves if it does. For best results, provide a moist,
well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
|
|