Angel Trumpets . . .

Late Summer through Fall bloomers, the Angel Trumpet is a show stopper ! They are extremely fragrant, and a wonderful plant for an evening garden. ( Years ago, I brought into our house, my first 3 blooms. . . set them in water and left for dinner with good friends. When we returned, the ENTIRE house had such a strong scent that the blooms had to be removed before we both needed respiratory care. ) Easily propagated from cuttings the 'Brugsmania' and 'Datura' has long been known for toxic properties. ( *** The liquid from the seed pods should not touch bare skin. *** ) Cuttings are very easy to root. Just dip them in rooting hormone, put them in a good soiless mix and water. ( I've filled a few 5 gallon buckets with 10" cuttings in 4" of water and left them overwinter in the basement, and them plant in the garden after fear of frost the passed. ) Within a several weeks, you'll see teenie roots and leaves develop. Cuttings can also be dipped in rooting hormone and rolled up in newspaper . . . stored in a dry, dark place. Again, plant when fear of frost is gone. I've never started them from seeds, since the cuttings are so easy. If you do not have space to store the cuttings, seeds can be collected (wear gloves) in a paper bag or 'panty hose,' and stored in the freezer until you are ready to plant. These beauties grow in Zones 3-9 and are an INCREDIBLE tropical addition to any garden or patio area. They should be protected from strong winds and extreme sun scorch. At the Ashram, there is one planted in the shade, protected by the evergreen foilage of 2 camellias, and another planted in full sun. The one in shade, here in HOTLANTA, thrives. Several years ago, our friend, Glenn, and I planted his outside, in 5 gallon buckets (with handles still on), drainage holes drilled into the bottoms. Before frost, we lifted the buckets out of the ground and carried them into his living room, where they continued to perform. They can bloom all year long if given the proper care. ** Try the buried bucket option, if no one in your home is too sensitive to the perfumed scent. Pets included. ** They are known as heavy 'feeders.' In the Ashram garden, they have only received organic compost. This may have delayed their blooming by a few weeks, but they have been a delight none the less. They are even gorgeous before the bloom opens up ! They are a 'pinwheel' of colorful surprise just waiting to happen !