ANGEL’S TRUMPET
BRUGMANSIA × CANDIDA
When in flower, angel’s trumpet is an absolute showstopper. The plant’s pendent, trumpet-shaped, evening-scented blooms can grow as long as 8in (20cm). Due to its size, it makes the perfect plant for a spacious conservatory or a sunny room adjoining a patio.
HEIGHT Up to 6ft 6in (2m)
SPREAD Up to 3ft 3in (1m)
FLOWERS Large, scented, trumpetlike
FOLIAGE Ovate, green
LIGHT Sun/filtered sun
TEMPERATURE 61–77°F (16–25°C)
CARE Fairly easy
PLACE OF ORIGIN South America
WARNING! All parts are toxic; gloves required when handling
CARE
In summer, this is a terrific plant for a south-facing room with an adjacent patio—its scented flowers can be overwhelming in the evening and are best enjoyed outside. But in winter, a sunny room is the perfect spot.
Grow in a large container, otherwise the plant—which is often trained into a tree or a standard—may become top-heavy. A heavy container will ensure it stays upright.
Angel’s trumpet needs plenty of fertilizer and water throughout the spring and summer, so apply a balanced liquid fertilizer in spring but then swap to a high-potash one in summer to encourage flowers. Water well until winter, then reduce watering.
Once the flowers have faded, prune your plant to keep it in shape. Look out for suckers at the base of the plant and cut them off as soon as they appear. Be sure to wear gloves when handling or pruning this plant.
PROBLEM SOLVING Angel’s trumpet will soon droop if it’s planted in too small a pot or if it’s underwatered. This is easily solved by repotting the plant in spring and watering more generously in the summer.
Red spider mites are often attracted to this plant; severe infestations will cause speckled foliage. Misting may help reduce the problem.
The flowers of the angel’s trumpet can be an impressive 20cm (8in) long.
DID YOU KNOW? THE FLOWERS OF THIS PLANT ARE SCENTED AT NIGHT AND, IN THEIR NATIVE SETTING, ATTRACT HUMMINGBIRDS.
DISPLAY
Angel’s trumpet will look at home in a large container, but consider investing in a plant cart if you aim to move it in and out of the house.
Pair your plant with other sun-lovers such as the spineless yucca — this will be similar in height yet offer a contrast in shape. If growing in a large pot, plant a spider plant under the angel’s trumpet, as it will also enjoy a summer outside.
Houseplants A–Z | ANGEL’S TRUMPET
ALSO TRY
If you’ve fallen for plants, such as angel’s trumpet, with striking blooms, try these challenging beauties:
- Chinese lantern (Abutilon × hybridum), height 36in (90cm). This plant likes filtered sunlight and has bell-shaped flowers in a variety of colors throughout summer.
- King’s crown (Justicia carnea), height 4ft (1.2m). Although rarely seen, this plant is worth searching for. It has oblong leaves and spikes of pink, tubular flowers.
Flowering maple likes a room with filtered sun and low humidity.