November 24th, 2002
Brugmansia and Datura
Book Review: Brugmansia and Datura: Angel’s Trumpets and Thorn Apples. Ulrike and Hans-Georg Preissel. 2002. Firefly Books. Canada.
Originally published in Germany: Engelstrompeten–Brugmansia und Datura.
ISBN: 1-55209-598-3
Angel trumpets is a common name applied to plants both in the genus Brugmansia and the genus Datura. Although they have been recognized as different types of plants for over 100 years, and officially recognized as two separate genuses since 1973, the confusion continues.
Brugmansia and Datura: Angel’s Trumpets and Thorn Apples attempts to explain away the confusion through many botanical drawings comparing the many species of Brugmansia and Datura, as well as many full-color photographs. Although the photos are “coffee table book” pretty, this book is packed with useful and specific information. It is not, however, dry or academic. In addition to being an excellent resource on the different types of angel’s trumpets and thorn apples, the authors provide information on cultivating and propagating these plants.
These beautiful plants have a fascinating history in the magic and religions of our ancestors, but one must be aware that they are deadly poisonous. These are not plants to grow around small curious children, or livestock. The simple datura, which you can buy in local nurseries is a noxious weed to farmers and ranchers.
According to the authors, Brugmansia requires heavy and frequent feeding in order to bloom well.
Propagating by cuttings
Many species of Brugmansia will also root in water. Take cuttings about 6 in (15 cm) long and put in a glass with pure faucet water. It is important that only the lower 1 1/2 in (2-4 cm) of the stalk is allowed to stand in the water. If the water is higher, then it will encourage the cutting to rot from the bottom up. (p. 73)
by M Sinclair Stevens in Austin, Texas
May 4th, 2006
I just bought a Brumansia plant; it did not have a lot of information on the box. I live in Canada in Zone 6. Could I leave this plant outside in it’s pot or bring it in the garage over winter. Also how big does it get? And when will it bloom? And what should I feed it? Any information would be appreciated.
Theresa, you should definitely bring your Brugmansia inside during the winter. They are very cold sensitive and even a light frost can kill them. (As usual, I didn’t follow my own advice and lost mine last winter.) Brugmansia can get huge for a potted plant. Even in a greenhouse they can be 15 feet tall and just as wide. They like lots of sunlight, warmth, water, and feeding in order bloom. Any food you use on your other flowering plants will do fine. — mss
July 26th, 2006
I have an angel trumpet and I wanted to grow more, but I just wanted to use my own plant. Can you tell me how to root it.
I root mine in water. Here are some other methods detailed with pictures at Brugmansia Growers International. — mss
October 30th, 2006
Ooops. I left my Brug out and it was hit by a sudden frost (a drop in temperature by 20 degrees). Some of the leaves wilted but there are some which are still living and thriving. I have now moved it into warmer temperatures (and wouldn’t you know it, the temperature has boosted back 25 degrees!. Will it survive?
Probably–if the trunk and roots didn’t freeze. — mss