Trumpet Plant Information
The trumpet flower, also called the angel's trumpet, is of the Solanacae family--the nightshade group that includes tomatoes and potatoes. The genus is brugmansia, a different plant from a similar plant also called angel's trumpet of the datura genus. The datura has flowers that stand up erect as opposed to the brugmansia which has drooping flowers. Does this Spark an idea?
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Description
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Trumpet flower plants, as the name implies, have flowers that are trumpet-shaped. The flowers, called corolla, can be up to 1 foot in length with the tips curling outward. They can be white, pink or yellow and hang down toward the ground. Another species of trumpet flower has a double type flower, a large trumpet with a small one inside of it.
Location
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The trumpet flower is native to South America and is found in the sub-tropical areas bordering the Andes Mountains from Colombia to Chile and in the southern part of Brazil in the rain forests. The trumpet flower has been imported from South America; in as the United States it grows well in locations such as California and Florida.
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Growing
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The trumpet flower will grow and flower best when it is outside in direct sunlight. Too much shade can slow or prevent blooming. The plant also needs enough water so the soil is kept moist, mimicking the rain forest habitat where it is native. You can grow these plants from seeds or from small seedlings. If kept pruned, it will fill out and look like a large shrub or small tree. If planted in a pot, make sure the pot is large enough to allow the roots plenty of room. Potted trumpet flowers will need more frequent watering since the soil will dry out faster in a pot.
Toxicity
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The trumpet flower is very toxic and should not be grown around small children or pets. The seeds contain the most poison, but the leaves and flowers are also toxic. Symptoms of poisoning include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, flushed skin and hallucinations.
Uses
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The trumpet flower plant is used in landscaping as an accent shrub because it will produce plentiful large green leaves and hanging flowers. Several plants can be grouped close together to create a larger shrub to separate parts of the landscape or to make a border around a deck or patio. I
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References
- Photo Credit Corps de brugmansia 2 image by sylbohec from Fotolia.com
