My Brugmansia Is Growing Out of Control

Container Plant

• Although the plant is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 to 12, it can be grown anywhere in the country as a container plant and brought indoors before the first frost. Because brugmansia plants can grow so large, you will need to groom the plant regularly so it doesn’t take up so much space indoors.

Pruning

• In the spring, after the last frost when new growth begins to appear on the plant, you can cut the dead stems or branches from the base of the branch or plant. For new stems or branches, you can cut the plant back to the first or second new bud. This will keep the plant in shape and promote more flowers on the new growth. Brugmansia plants do not flower on old wood, which are the branches and stems from the previous year's growth, so any old wood should be removed down at the base of the plant.

Winter Care

• During the winter, keep the container plant in a south window indoors. The plant will need water once a week and will have some leaf drop during this time. Another option for wintering the plant is to cut the plant back to about 6 inches from the base of the plant and place the container in a dark, cool location. The temperature must be cool, but not below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Water the soil once a month to keep the soil damp, but not dry. The plant will lose all of it leaves during this time. In the spring after the last frost, place the plant outdoors.

Spring and Summer Care

• During the growing season, brugmansia plants need full sunlight for at least six hours a day. The plants are heavy feeders and need a well-balanced fertilizer such as 15-30-15 one to two times a week when you water the plant. Do not fertilize the plant during the fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing. Plants need plenty of water; keep the soil moist, which will promote flowering and new growth.