Brugmansia suaveolens
Angel's trumpet
Overview
Brugmansia suaveolens is angel's trumpet, growing 72-180 inches (180-450 cm) tall and 60-120 inches (150-300 cm) wide. Large pendant (hanging downward) trumpet-shaped flowers 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) in white, pink, yellow, or peach — the pendant orientation separates Brugmansia (all flowers hang down) from Datura (all flowers face upward). Strongly fragrant, particularly at night — the evening fragrance attracts hawk moths (sphinx moths), the primary pollinators. The species name 'suaveolens' means 'sweet-scented.' In the nightshade family (Solanaceae). All parts contain tropane alkaloids (scopolamine, atropine, hyoscyamine) — highly toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion causes hallucinations, tachycardia, paralysis, and death. The toxicity is severe — among the more toxic common garden plants. Handling the plant and then touching the eyes can cause pupil dilation (mydriasis). Large soft-textured ovate leaves 8-12 inches (20-30 cm). Heavy water demand — the large leaves transpire rapidly and wilt in afternoon heat without adequate water. Native to southeastern Brazil. Extinct in the wild — all Brugmansia species survive only in cultivation. Whitefly, spider mites, and tomato hornworm (Manduca spp.). Full sun to partial shade. Frost-tender: foliage killed at 32°F (0°C); roots survive to 25°F (-4°C) with mulch in zone 9. Growth rate is fast. Containers of 10+ gallons (40+ liters). Deer-resistant (toxic). Zones 9-11.
Native Range
Native to southeastern Brazil. Extinct in the wild — all Brugmansia species survive only in cultivation.Suggested Uses
Grown in the ground in zones 9-11 or in containers of 10+ gallons (40+ liters). The large pendant fragrant trumpets are the display feature. All parts highly toxic — placement away from children and pets is recommended. Strongly fragrant at night. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 15'
Width/Spread5' - 10'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, pink, yellow, or peach; large pendant trumpet-shapedFoliage Description
Medium to dark green, large, ovate, soft-texturedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade. Heavy water demand — large leaves wilt rapidly. All parts highly toxic (scopolamine, atropine) — among the more toxic garden plants. Handling then touching eyes causes pupil dilation. Frost-tender at 32°F (0°C); roots survive to 25°F (-4°C) with mulch. Whitefly, spider mites. Deer-resistant (toxic). Zones 9-11.Pruning
Pruning for shape happens in spring. Cut back by one-third to one-half. Flowers on new growth — pruning supports branching and more flowers. In cold zones, the plant is cut back and overwintered indoors (cool bright location). Gloves are recommended during all handling — all parts toxic.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons