| On my 79th birthday I received a plant from my granddaughter and I don't know how or when to plant it. It is White Angels Trumpet (datura/brugmansia versicolor Alta). It is in a 5 gallon can. |
| First of all, you have a very thoughtful granddaughter! Brugmansia or Angel's Trumpet loves a well drained soil with plenty of organic matter. It is not too picky about pH, but I would suggest avoiding very acid or very alkaline conditions. These plants are cold tender and will freeze to the ground most winters. They usually return the following spring if you mulch the base of the plant well. Give your Brugmansia full sun, although it will tolerate some partial shade. Keep it well watered with a good soaking every 5 days or so. Fertilize it when growth begins in the spring and every 4 weeks through early August with a complete fertilizer. To plant, dig a hole larger than the container your plant is in, and loosen the soil, breaking up any clumps and removing any large rocks. Then put some of the soil back into the hole and scoop out an area for the roots of the plant. Lay the container on its side and gently ease the roots out, keeping them intact as much as possible. Place the rootmass into the planting hole, making sure that the plant will be at the same soil surface level as it was in the container. Then firm soil all around the rootmass and water well to eliminate any air pockets. Your plant should provide many glorious blossoms next growing season. Good luck with your Brugmansia! |
