Brugmansia aurea
Brugmansia aurea
Golden Angel’s Trumpet
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Taxonomy
Family Solanaceae · Genus Brugmansia
Description
Brugmansia aurea, the Golden Angel’s Trumpet, is a fast-growing tropical shrub or small tree famed for its huge, pendulous, night-fragrant flowers. With rich soil, regular water, and warmth, it delivers spectacular summer-to-fall displays and thrives equally in large containers or sheltered garden spots.
Common Names
Golden Angel’s TrumpetAngel’s TrumpetFloripondioYellow Angel’s Trumpet
Context
nativeRegion
Andean cloud forests of Ecuador (northern Andes).
usdaZones
9–11 (8b with protection/overwintering).
companionPlants
Canna, Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens), Salvia guaranitica, Coleus, Nicotiana alata, Impatiens
culturalUses
Primarily ornamental for dramatic, fragrant displays. Historically referenced in Andean ritual/ethnobotanical contexts; all parts highly toxic and not for ingestion.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun to bright partial shade; provide afternoon shade in hot climates to protect blooms and foliage.
WateringKeep evenly moist; deep water when the top inch of soil is dry. Heavy drinker—daily in hot weather for containers. Avoid waterlogging.
SoilRich, well-draining loam with plenty of organic matter; pH 6.0–7.0.
FertilizerHeavy feeder. Use balanced or bloom-boosting fertilizer every 1–2 weeks in the growing season, plus slow-release in spring.
HumidityModerate to high humidity preferred; shelter from drying winds.
TemperatureIdeal 60–85°F (16–29°C). Protect below 45°F (7°C); frost can kill growth (fatal near 28°F/-2°C).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitWoody, multi-stemmed shrub/small tree with arching branches and pendulous flowers.
Mature Size6–15 ft tall, 6–10 ft wide (larger in frost-free climates).
Growth RateFast-growing in warm weather with ample water and nutrients.
BloomingLate spring through fall; nearly year-round in frost-free areas. Large, pendulous, strongly fragrant trumpets (evenings).
DormancySemi-dormant or deciduous in cool weather; evergreen in tropical climates.
Propagation
MethodsSemi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings, Air layering, Seeds
DifficultyEasy to moderate (cuttings root readily; seeds slower and variable).
Best SeasonSpring to early summer for cuttings; spring for seed sowing.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningPrune after frost risk passes to shape and control size. Do not remove all Y-shaped branches—flowers form on growth above these. Deadhead and thin for airflow.
RepottingFor container plants, step up pot size annually in spring until in a large tub (15–25+ gal). Refresh topsoil each spring; root-prune if needed.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for spider mites, whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, and caterpillars; treat early. Prevent root rot with drainage; possible leaf spot/botrytis in humid, stagnant air.
ToxicityAll parts highly poisonous (tropane alkaloids). Keep away from children, pets, and livestock; wear gloves when pruning.
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