Angel's Trumpet
Brugmansia spp.
A tropical shrub or small tree bearing enormous, pendulous trumpet-shaped flowers that release a powerful fragrance at night. Every part of the plant is dangerously poisonous.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Frequent; keep consistently moist
- Difficulty
- Moderate
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Overview
Angel's trumpet, genus Brugmansia, is a tropical woody shrub or small tree in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), famous for its huge, downward-hanging trumpet flowers up to 12 in (30 cm) long.
The flowers come in white, yellow, peach, pink, and orange and are most fragrant in the evening, attracting night-flying pollinators. Plants can reach 10-20 ft (3-6 m) in frost-free climates.
Despite their beauty, all parts of Brugmansia are intensely toxic, containing tropane alkaloids. The genus is now considered extinct in the wild and survives only in cultivation.
How to identify it
- Flowers: Massive, pendant (downward-hanging) trumpet-shaped blooms 6-12 in long, in white, yellow, peach, pink, or orange; strongly scented at night
- Leaves: Large, soft, oval to elliptic, often with wavy or toothed margins
- Habit: Large shrub or small tree to 20 ft, often multi-trunked
- Note: Distinguished from related Datura, which has upward-facing flowers and is herbaceous
Care & growing
Light: Full sun to light afternoon shade in hot climates.
Water: A thirsty plant; keep soil consistently moist, especially in heat and when blooming. Container plants may need daily watering.
Soil: Rich, fertile, well-draining soil high in organic matter.
Temperature: Tender; hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and best protected below 50 F (10 C). Often overwintered indoors or in a garage in cooler zones.
Feeding: Heavy feeder; use a high-nitrogen and bloom-boosting fertilizer regularly during growth.
Propagation: Easy from stem cuttings; always wear gloves due to toxicity.
Habitat & origin
Brugmansia species originate from the tropical regions of South America, particularly the Andean valleys and forest margins. Remarkably, the genus is extinct in the wild, persisting only through cultivation and its long association with indigenous cultures.
It is now grown ornamentally throughout warm temperate and tropical regions, often as a container patio plant that is moved indoors for winter in colder climates.
Uses & benefits
Ornamental: Grown as a dramatic flowering specimen for its enormous fragrant blooms; a centerpiece of tropical-themed gardens.
Cultural/medicinal: Indigenous Andean peoples have used the plant ceremonially and medicinally, but it is extremely dangerous and never safe for casual use.
Caution: All parts contain potent tropane alkaloids (scopolamine, atropine). Ingestion can cause hallucinations, paralysis, and death. Keep away from children and pets and wear gloves when handling.
Frequently asked questions
How poisonous is angel's trumpet?
Extremely. Every part contains potent tropane alkaloids that can cause severe poisoning or death if ingested. Handle with gloves and keep it away from children and pets.
What is the difference between Brugmansia and Datura?
Brugmansia (angel's trumpet) is a woody shrub or tree with hanging flowers, while Datura (devil's trumpet) is a herbaceous plant with upward-facing flowers. Both are highly toxic.
Why isn't my angel's trumpet blooming?
It needs ample sunlight, generous water, and regular feeding. Plants also need to reach a mature, branched stage before flowering and may pause blooming in cool weather.
Can I grow angel's trumpet in a cold climate?
Yes, as a container plant. Move it indoors or to a frost-free space for winter, since it is hardy only to about USDA zone 9.
Angel's Trumpet guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Angel's Trumpet.
