How Many Hours of Sun Does a Brugmansia Need?

Sun Requirements

• A native of the hot tropics, brugmansis grows best in areas of full sun all through the day, which means sunlight exposure during all daylight hours. Though brugmansia is also tolerant of partial shade, the flowering capacity is affected severely. The overall health of the plant growing in less sun remains vigorous but with little or no blooms. The foliage grows large on plants growing in the shade.

Description

• Brugmansia grows in the form of a large evergreen woody shrub or small tree with a mature height of 6 to 15 feet. The multi-stemmed, coarse-textured plant has a tree-like trunk. The oval foliage is 10 inches long with a width of about 6 inches. The fragrant flowers are nearly 12 inches long and trumpet-shaped, hanging downward from the tree. The plant blooms in spring in various shades of yellow, pink, peach, cream, orange or white.

Care Recommendations

• Plant brugmansia in a well-drained, fertile, moist soil preferably amended with organic material prior to planting. The plant is intolerant of heavy, poorly drained soils, gradually dying when planted in these areas. In regions with very cold winters, plant on the south or west side of the house to provide winter protection. Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the active growth period in spring and summer. Prune during fall and winter after flowering is over.

Uses

• The plant is most widely used as an ornamental and specimen planting in landscapes for its eye-catching flowers. Train the plants as a tree with a single trunk or let it grow in its natural, spreading, clump-like growth. Brugmansia also works well in a bed of mixed shrubs when used in the background. Plant in an open site to allow enough room for growth. Grow as a container plant for use on sunny patios and decks.