How to Grow Brugmansia:
Brugmansia, also known as the angel’s trumpet, is a beautiful and fragrant flowering plant that is native to South America. It is a popular choice for gardeners who are looking for a stunning addition to their landscape. Brugmansia is a large, deciduous shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has large, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, yellow, and orange. This incredible plant can be grown in locations all around the world when provided with the correct care.
Growing Brugmansia
Brugmansia is a relatively easy plant to grow, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Soil: Brugmansia prefers a well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5.
- Sun: Brugmansia needs full sun or partial shade to thrive.
- Water: Brugmansia should be watered regularly, especially in warmer months. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering as the weather cools in Autumn.
- Fertilizer: Brugmansia should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Liquid tomato feed is an ideal fertiliser.
- Pruning: Brugmansia can be pruned to shape and size. It is best to prune in the spring before new growth begins or in Autumn when you are preparing your plants for winter storage.
Propagation
Brugmansia can be propagated by cuttings or by air layering. Cuttings are the easiest method and produce clones of your favourite plant. To take a cutting, simply cut a 6-inch stem from a healthy plant. Remove the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the stem.
- Water propagation: Sit the stems in jars of water, changing it weekly to keep the water fresh. In 2-4 weeks the stems will start to produce roots.
- Soil propagation: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and then plant it in a pot of moist potting soil. The cutting should root within a few weeks.
Air layering is another method of propagating Brugmansia. To air layer a plant, first select a stem that is about 1 foot (24cm) long. Make a cut in the stem about 2 inches below a leaf node. Wrap the cut area with moist sphagnum moss and then tie it in place with a piece of plastic wrap. The stem will eventually root and can be cut off from the parent plant and potted.
Winter Protection
Brugmansia is not hardy in most climates. In the winter, it needs to be brought indoors or protected from the cold. If you live in a climate where the temperature drops below 30 degrees Fahrenheit (1⁰C), you will need to bring your Brugmansia indoors. If it has grown large you can cut it back to a manageable size. If you live in a climate where the temperature does not drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit (1⁰C), you can protect your Brugmansia by wrapping it in horticultural fleece. Avoid wrapping tender plants in plastic as this causes moisture to build up which can promote rot.
Pests and Diseases
Brugmansia is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and fungal diseases. Aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Tips for Growing Brugmansia
- Brugmansia is a poisonous plant. Do not eat any part of the plant.
- Brugmansia can grow very large. It is important to plant it in a location where it will have plenty of room to grow.
- Brugmansia is a heavy feeder. It is important to fertilize it regularly.
- Brugmansia can be sensitive to frost. It is important to protect it from frost during the winter.
- By following these tips, you can grow a healthy and beautiful Brugmansia plant.
Add comment