Angel’s Trumpet can grow from 6 to 35 feet tall and 3 to 10 feet wide, but I’ve seen some larger. The plant comes in many different varieties -from blue and purple, red, brilliant yellow, orange, and blushing pink.
Angel’s trumpets are members of the Solanaceae family, which includes Belladonna, Datura, eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers (bell, cayenne, ghost, Tabasco among others), petunias and tobacco. All Solanaceae family members originated in the Americas, except for eggplant, which, strangely, came from the Far East, via northeastern Africa.
Be forewarned. All parts of Angel Trumpet are poisonous. Native Americans have used the plant for spiritual rituals, but preparing the plant for consumption is intricate and a number of non-indigenous people have died trying to use the plant for its hallucinogenic properties.
How to care for Angel’s Trumpet
It is generally a summer bloomer, but many bloom from late spring to early fall in USDA zones 9 to 11. Check here to see what zone you live in.
Planting
- SOIL—Plant angel’s trumpet in moist, well-draining soil and in a place that gets at least six hours of sun.
- TEMPERATURE—You can bring it indoors if there is threat of frost, but many varieties can stand light frosts without damage although it will probably drop its leaves. Don’t worry though. The plant’s roots are still working. If you want to keep it outside, use some bags of mulch or leaves to insulate the roots.
- WATER—Angel’s trumpet needs lots of water. However, However, it is more comfortable with rain water. If you do use tap water, let it stand for a full 24-hour cycle. A good way to decide if the plant needs water, stick your finger into the top two inches of soil around the plant. If it’s dry, add water. If it needs water, the leaves will begin to wilt.
- FERTILIZER—If you grow it in a pot, use a you can use a potting mix designed for camellias and azaleas. The plant does not like slow-release fertilizers, because angel’s trumpets need to take in nutrients rapidly. Us a bloom-encouraging fertilizer like a 15-30-15 or a 10-50-10.If you’re an organic gardener, there are quick release organic fertilizers that will meet your needs.
- HOW TO PRUNE ANGEL’S TRUMPET—While your plant is small (perhaps two feet high) you will need to prune it. When the main trunk makes a “y”, (usually in the fall) choose one of them to be the central leader. Cut off the other side of the “y”.
- Always wear protective clothing and gloves when handling Angel Trumpet.
