Angel’s Trumpet Purple

Datura

Characteristics

Culture

 

Winter hardy to USDA Zone 9-10, Purple Angel’s Trumpet is grown as an annual in cooler regions. In the ground, plants do best in rich, humusy, well-drained loams in full sun with regular moisture. Plants tend to sprawl, and are best spaced about 3’ apart unless staking or other support will be used. Deadheading flowers is not necessary. Harvest ripe seed for planting in the following spring.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Datura, commonly called devil’s trumpet, or angel’s trumpet, is native to southern China. It is a shrubby, sprawling, short-lived, tender perennial that is grown in cooler regions as an annual. It grows 3-4’ tall and spreads to as much as 4’ wide. Ovate, wavy-toothed, dark green leaves (to 8” long). Foliage emits a disagreeable odor when bruised or crushed. Single or double, upward-facing trumpets (to 7” long and 4” wide at the mouth) have a sweetly overpowering fragrance. Flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, lilac and dark purple. Each flowers lasts only one night. From an unusual cigar-shaped flower bud, each flower will unravel in the evening to reveal a fragrant trumpet-shaped bloom that only lasts until noon the following day. Flowers will typically bloom intermittently from mid-summer to frost. Flowers are followed by thorny, spherical fruit.

Purple Angel’s Trumpet plants belong to the nightshade family and all parts are extremely toxic. Datura is similar to Brugmansia, except the trumpets of the latter are larger, last for several days and droop downward.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for whiteflies, mealy bugs and spider mites.

Garden Uses

Borders, containers. Specimen or group. Place containers near patios so flower fragrance may be enjoyed.