Angel's trumpets: wintering, cutting, propagating & Co.

What location is best for angel trumpets (also Brugmansia or called trumpet plant)? Are angel trumpets hardy? We reveal everything about planting and caring for the angel's trumpet.

The affectionate name of this plant genus alone suggests how much admiration it is shown: angel's trumpets (Brugmansia) are extremely popular ornamental plants. They are also very popular with collectors and breeders. The shrub or tree-shaped trumpet plants are excellent for growing in containers and will beautify any home. Angel's trumpets not only enchant with their blooms, but also exude an enchanting scent. However, this can only be heard in the late evening and night hours. More exciting facts and care tips about the angel's trumpet can be found in our detailed plant portrait.

Angel's trumpets: flowering period, origin and properties

The beautiful trumpet plants are not native. They originally come from South America, where they thrive outdoors at a wide variety of altitudes. The angel's trumpet was introduced to Europe as an ornamental plant and, due to the climatic conditions, is mainly kept as a container plant. In the Mediterranean area, some breeds can also survive outdoors. The tree or shrub-like plants grow to a height of between 2 and 5 meters and usually form hanging, cup-shaped flowers. Flowering time, fragrance and color of the flowers vary greatly between the different strains.

Types of angel's trumpets: Colorful angel's trumpets for the garden

The genus Brugmansia includes numerous wild species and cultivated varieties. It is not uncommon for there to be hybrid forms that have been bred from different species. Each variety has different properties and is therefore differently well suited for different types of husbandry. In the following we present you a varied selection of brightly colored angel's trumpets.

White varieties of trumpet flower

Belongs to the classic, white angel trumpets Brugmansia arborea. This wild species originally comes from the Colombian Andes and is therefore a fairly robust angel's trumpet. The plant has rather small flowers, about 15 cm long, which are less profuse but bloom quite early in the year. In addition, this trumpet plant exudes an intoxicating, floral scent.

Another white angel trumpet is the hybrid Brugmansia x candidathat from the species Brugmansia versicolor and Brugmansia aurea was crossed. The "White Angel's Trumpet" is a very flowering and robust variety, which can sometimes withstand bad weather conditions well. The hybrid is therefore a very popular trumpet plant, which is also well suited for beginners.

Red angel trumpets

Brugmansia sanguinea originally comes from Colombia and Chile. The species smells very little, but beguiles with elongated, red flowers and is therefore also called the blood-colored angel's trumpet. A special feature of this variety is its flowering time: unlike other species, it flowers Brugmansia sanguinea rather late in the year and delights us over the winter with its blaze of colour. However, this trumpet plant is less suitable for beginners as it is quite susceptible to disease and sensitive to moisture.

Purple angel trumpets

The Hybrid Brugmansia x flava does not exude such an intoxicating scent as her sisters. In return, the variety enchants with long, tubular, dark purple to red flowers, which mainly shine in spring and autumn. However, since the hybrid is very susceptible to diseases and improper care, it is also more suitable for more experienced hobby gardeners.

Yellow angel trumpets

Brugmansia aurea is also called the golden angel's trumpet because of its mostly yellow, rarely white flowers. The species, originally from Ecuador, grows up to 6 m high, has large, bright flowers and exudes a pleasant fragrance. Unfortunately will Brugmansia aurea with us, however, like to be attacked by pests.

Also the Brugmansia suaveolens often shines in delicate or more intense shades of yellow. The color of this species is not always clear and can vary from white to yellow to pink. But it is very undemanding and well suited for beginners. In addition, the plant exudes a very intense smell and is therefore also called the fragrant angel's trumpet.

Planting angel trumpets: location, soil & Co.

Angel's trumpets are frugal when it comes to the choice of location and soil. Basically any type of potting soil can be used. However, since the trumpet plants have a high water requirement in summer and especially on hot days, soil with good water storage and little clippings is ideal. Many use peaty soil for this. Think carefully about this step, however, because peat has many questionable and environmentally unfriendly ones Properties: When the raw material is broken down, large amounts of carbon dioxide are released and valuable ecosystems destroyed. It is therefore better to water a little more frequently on hot days and use a peat-free soil - such as ours Plantura organic potting soil, which is not only 100% peat-free, but also particularly sustainable and, compared to conventional soils, up to 60% CO₂ is reduced.

Although many breeds tolerate direct sun well, angel's trumpets thrive best in partial shade. The loss of water on hot days can also be contained there. Ideally, the plant is also protected from excessive weather influences, as heavy rain and hail can quickly damage the sensitive leaves.

Angel's trumpet care: Our tips for the Brugmansia

As already mentioned, need Brugmansia lots of water in summer. Therefore, water regularly, but avoid waterlogging. You will notice very quickly exactly how much water your plant needs, because when there is a lack of water, the trumpet plants quickly drop their leaves. This is not a big deal, but it is a clear encouragement to you to water more in the future.

Cut angel trumpets

Since the trumpet plants can grow several meters tall, regular pruning of the plants is recommended. It is best to radically cut back your angel's trumpets in the late year before wintering. The desired size of the plant should be determined very early on, as only the new, still green branches should be cut off. The older, lignified areas, on the other hand, should be avoided, as growth in this area would otherwise be radically slowed down. As a precaution, wear gloves when cutting the poisonous plant.

Fertilize angel trumpets

All Brugmansia- Varieties need a lot of nutrients and therefore want to be fertilized regularly. The fertilizer application should start at the beginning of the growth phase in March or April. A normal plant fertilizer can be used throughout the summer, or a special growth fertilizer can be added at the beginning. For a strong growth pattern and magnificent flowers, it should be generously fertilized - over-fertilization is almost impossible. Since the angel's trumpets prefer to be fertilized throughout the entire growth and flowering phase, a fertilizer with a long-term effect is also suitable - such as ours Plantura organic flower fertilizer. This primarily organic fertilizer not only guarantees a 3-month long-term supply, but is also sustainable, ecological and free of animal ingredients.

multiply angel trumpets

Angel's trumpets can be propagated both by seed and by cuttings. However, the route via cuttings is easier and therefore more suitable for the beginner. In the following, we will tell you how to propagate your favorite trumpets.

Sow angel's trumpet seeds

If you want to propagate your trumpet plant from seeds, you can collect them from the flowers and dry them over the winter. However, be careful with hybrid varieties: you never know which properties the new seedlings will develop. The seeds can also be easily bought in specialist shops. For sowing, the seeds must first soak in water for 24 hours and can then be transferred to potting soil. Always keep the soil warm and moist afterwards. You can also cover the jars with glass or transparent film, but make sure to air them regularly to prevent mold. The germination period can vary between a few weeks and 2 months depending on the variety and season.

Propagate angel's trumpet by cuttings

Angel's trumpets can be propagated from cuttings throughout the summer. To do this, simply cut about 10 cm large pieces from the crown of the tree, remove the bottom leaves and immerse the stems about 4 cm deep in potting soil. Keep the cuttings in partial shade at around 20°C and moisten the soil without creating waterlogging. After 3 - 4 weeks, enough roots should have formed so that the cuttings can be repotted. However, the pruning in late year can also be used as cuttings and overwintered together with the mother plant. In the spring, enough roots should have formed in this way.

Overwintering angel's trumpet: Is the trumpet plant hardy?

Angel's trumpets are not hardy. This is also the reason why the beautiful ornamental plants are mainly kept in tubs. The angel's trumpet can also be planted directly in the garden, but this makes the overwintering process a bit more complicated. As a container plant, the trumpet plant can easily be brought to a suitable winter quarters, such as a garage or basement. Ensure a minimum temperature of around 10 °C. Also, only water your angel's trumpet about once a week in winter and avoid too much moisture. Sufficient ventilation should also be sought to prevent fungal infestation.

Are angel trumpets poisonous?

Angel's trumpets belong to the nightshade family and, like many other plants in this group, contain toxic alkaloids. This problem affects all parts of the plant, so gloves should be worn and food contact avoided when pruning. The consumption of the plant should also be avoided.
In some cultures will Brugmansia Also used as an intoxicant, as they are said to induce hallucinations and an ecstatic state. Since the wrong dosage can also lead to symptoms of poisoning here, it is not advisable to do so.

Common Angel Trumpet Diseases and Pests

Especially the more sensitive varieties of the angel's trumpet are susceptible to viral or fungal diseases. The latter can be avoided with proper care and adequate ventilation at the site. But predators such as caterpillars, aphids or snails also like to tamper with angel's trumpets. Locusts cause particularly large feeding damage and should therefore be removed immediately.

As Fight aphids naturally and Get rid of snails Find out in our special articles.