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Datura double purple, the Horn of plenty or the Downy
thorn apple, is a member of the Soanaceae, or nightshade
family. It grows 3 or 4 feet tall and origins of Central
America. More compact in container. Normally treated as
an annual, the plant can be over-wintered in a greenhouse
environment.
A very beautiful, very interesting looking plant. Frilly,
double, midnight-purple fluted horns or trumpet flowers,
with white interiors burst open in profusion throughout
the Summer, commonly 12-18 cm long. Very fragrant at
night and a good part of the morning. The plants will
start flowering when they are about a foot tall.
The leaves are ovate, large, dark green, 25 cm long, 20
cm wide; sometimes with purple stems. The fruit is
prickly or spiny. It seeds prolifically. Remove seed pods
regularly to encourage further blooms. All parts of plant
are poisonous if ingested.
Hardiness zones 7-11, (-15°C/5°F, 4°C/40°F) in Winter.
Perennial in zone 11, annual elsewhere.
They thrive in rich garden soil. Flowering and growth is
most pronounced in partial sun to full sun, and rich
soils that get regular waterings. Do not feed plants, but
water well.
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