Brugmansia suaveolens

Angel's trumpet

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Taxonomy

Description

Brugmansia suaveolens, commonly called Angel's trumpet, is a fast-growing, tropical shrub or small tree famed for its huge, pendant trumpets and intoxicating evening fragrance. It thrives in warm, sunny spots with rich soil and steady moisture, rewarding you with spectacular flushes of blooms. Grow it in the ground in frost-free climates or in large containers you can overwinter indoors. Note: all parts are highly toxic—handle with care and keep away from children and pets.

Common Names

Angel's trumpetSnowy angel's trumpetBrazilian angel's trumpetWhite angel's trumpet

Context

nativeRegion

Southeastern Brazil (Atlantic Forest) and adjacent parts of South America; widely cultivated and naturalized in the tropics/subtropics.

usdaZones

9–11 (can be grown in containers and overwintered indoors in cooler zones)

companionPlants

Canna, Hibiscus (tropical), Salvia, Colocasia (elephant ear), Heliotrope

culturalUses

Primarily ornamental for night fragrance and dramatic blooms. Historically referenced in South American ritual/medicinal contexts, but all parts are extremely toxic and not for ingestion.

Care

Care Requirements

LightFull sun to bright partial shade; provide afternoon shade in very hot climates for best bloom and leaf quality.

WateringKeep evenly moist; water deeply and frequently in warm weather. Do not allow to fully dry out. Reduce watering in cool/dormant periods.

SoilRich, well-drained loam with added compost; pH 6.0–7.0. Ensure excellent drainage in containers.

FertilizerHeavy feeder. Use a balanced or bloom-boosting fertilizer regularly (weekly dilute liquid during the growing season) and/or slow-release in spring.

HumidityPrefers moderate to high humidity; tolerates average indoor/outdoor humidity if kept well watered.

TemperatureIdeal 60–85°F (16–29°C). Frost-tender; protect below 45°F (7°C). Best outdoors year-round in USDA 9–11.

Growth & Life Cycle

HabitEvergreen (in frost-free areas) shrub/small tree with multi-stemmed, arching branches and large, soft leaves.

Mature Size6–15 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide (1.8–4.5 m × 1.8–3 m), larger in ideal climates.

Growth RateFast-growing under warm, well-fed conditions.

BloomingBlooms in flushes from spring through fall; in frost-free climates may flower nearly year-round. Strongest fragrance at dusk/night.

DormancySemi-dormant in cool weather; may defoliate with chill. Container plants can be overwintered cool and bright with minimal watering.

Propagation

MethodsSoftwood cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Air layering, Seed

DifficultyEasy to moderate (cuttings root readily under warm, humid conditions).

Best SeasonSpring to early summer for cuttings; seed any time warm and bright.

Maintenance & Notes

PruningPrune in late winter or after major bloom flushes to shape and control size. Avoid removing the main Y-shaped branches where flowers are produced. Remove suckers and spent or crossing wood.

RepottingFor containers, up-pot annually in spring until reaching a large tub (15–25 gal). Refresh topsoil yearly; root prune every 1–2 years if maintaining size.

Pests & DiseasesWatch for spider mites, whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, and caterpillars. Can develop fungal leaf spots, powdery mildew in shade, and root rot if poorly drained.

ToxicityAll parts highly poisonous to humans and animals (tropane alkaloids). Sap may irritate skin/eyes. Do not ingest; keep away from children and pets.

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