Brugmansia

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Solanaceae

Order

Solanales

Genus

Brugmansia

Species

sanguinea

Description

Brugmansia sanguinea is a shrubby plant with an upright habit. It flowers profusely throughout late spring and summer, producing numerous elongated, trumpet-shaped flowers that hang downwards, hence its common name.

Native to South America, it can be grown in the garden in Mediterranean climates where temperatures do not fall below 5–6°C. Elsewhere, it is kept in a pot so that it can be brought indoors in winter to temperatures between 8 and 10°C.

In summer, its water requirements increase and it must be watered regularly, especially if placed in full sun, where it grows most vigorously. However, it also adapts to partial shade, requiring less water but producing fewer flowers.

Curiosities and special features

The botanical genus Brugmansia was named in 1805 in honour of the Dutch physician and botanist S. J. Brugmans.

The separation from the closely related genus Datura, with which it is still often confused, was finalised in 1973, as these are plants with different characteristics; for example, Brugmansia species are perennials with pendulous flowers, whilst Datura species are mainly annual herbaceous plants with flowers facing upwards.

Origin and distribution

Native to South America, its natural habitat is the regions on the slopes of the Andes, between Colombia and Chile, where it can grow as a small tree.

Introduced to Europe in the 19th century, it subsequently became widely established as an ornamental plant, both for gardens in mild coastal areas and as a pot plant.

Leaf

Leaf has a lanceolate lamina.

Leaf colour

a solid colour, designed to highlight the flowers with their tubular corollas.

Plant height

The plant’s height ranges from 0.35 to 2 m.

Lifespan

A perennial species that is either evergreen or semi-evergreen, depending on the prevailing climatic conditions.

Where to plant

It is often grown as a pot plant because of its temperature requirements; however, in Mediterranean climates where temperatures do not fall below 5–6 °C, it can be grown in the garden.

Stem

The stem is semi-woody; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, large in size, with a funnel-shaped corolla. The petals are solid-coloured and variegated. It flowers from late spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days. It has sweet notes and is fragrant, with a delicate aroma.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

The resulting growth habit is upright, open and branched.

Branching

A medium-sized plant with young, fairly flexible branches that eventually become woody.

PH

It requires a fairly acidic substrate pH, with optimal values ranging from 5.0 to 5.5.

Sun exposure

Suitable for partial shade or full sun.

When placed in full sun, it has high water requirements in summer but grows more vigorously, whilst in partial shade it requires less water but tends to produce fewer flowers.

Ideal climate and temperature

In areas with cold winters, it is necessary to bring it indoors, where temperatures should be between 8 and 10°C, and place it in a bright spot.

The recommended temperature during the growing season ranges from a minimum of 16°C to a maximum of 22°C.

Use

Loved for the uniqueness and elegance of its blooms, it is widely used in:
Ornamental purposes

Hardiness

A plant of moderate hardiness; take care to meet its temperature and water requirements throughout the different seasons.

Soil

Use a high-quality, well-draining and light potting mix.

We recommend a potting mix for green houseplants, containing peat and fine perlite.

Difficulty

It can be moderately difficult to grow, but if you follow the correct instructions, it will produce excellent results in terms of growth and flowering.

Growing tips

Below are specific cultivation guidelines, relating mainly to temperature and irrigation management:
Keep the growing medium dry at low temperatures It prefers a hot, dry climate It requires abundant watering but without waterlogging

Propagation

Vegetative propagation takes place via apical and stem cuttings.

Repotting

Repot before summer, preferably in early spring.

Watering

During the hottest period, particularly if placed in full sun, it requires frequent watering but care must be taken to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. A lack of water causes the buds to drop and the leaves to turn yellow.

Care must be taken not to overwater, particularly in the shoulder seasons and during winter, when it is advisable to keep the potting compost relatively dry.

Fertilising

During the growing season, add a general-purpose fertiliser for flowering plants to the potting mix, diluted in the watering can.
In summer, fertilise every 10–15 days to keep the foliage vigorous and the flowers more colourful.

Pet safety

Toxic

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Toxicity for humans

Toxic

Tip

The flowers are easy to remove once they have wilted; the plant will grow better. In winter, place it in a bright spot that is not too cold. In summer, it is advisable to fertilise it every 10–15 days to keep the foliage looking its best and the flowers as colourful as possible.