Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 8-10 where plants are typically grown as shrubs or small trees to 30’ tall in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. In St. Louis, growing options include: (1) grow in large containers or tubs which must be overwintered indoors in bright, sunny locations or in greenhouses or (2) grow in the ground and lift plants in fall before first frost for overwintering in a cool, frost-free location (40°F) with very minimal watering. Brugmansias take well to pot-culture, reaching a maximum of 15' tall. Pruning and root trimming can be used to maintain a desired size. During the growing season, plants are heavy feeders that need regular fertilization to stimulate new growth and flowers. In ideal conditions, these plants will flower freely all summer.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Brugmansia is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs made up of 7 species. These plants were once found growing in the tropical forests of the Andes and southern Brazil, but are now considered extinct in the wild. Despite this, they are readily available in cultivation and have even escaped from gardens to become naturalized in some areas of North America and Asia. All brugmansias are considered extremely toxic if any part of the plant is ingested. The large flowers (up to 20" long) are trumpet-shaped and pendulous, with colors including white, yellow, orange, red, and pink. The fragrance varies between species, but can be quite strong, particularly in the evening. Many hybrids are available in a wide variety of sizes, fragrances, and colors.
Genus name honors Sebald Justin Brugmans (1763-1819) a professor of natural history at Leiden.
'Pink Perfume' is a vigorous cultivar of Brugmansia × cubensis that produces an abundance of bright pink, single blooms. The flowers are very fragrant, especially on warm evenings. Blooms intermittently throughout the summer, with flushes lasting around one week. The interspecific hybrid B. × cubensis results from crossing B. suaveolens, B. versicolor, and B. aurea
Problems
Watch for caterpillars, spider mites and whiteflies, particularly on overwintering plants.
Uses
Container plant for patios, decks or other sunny locations around the home. Makes an excellent accent plant that must be lifted in fall if grown in Zone 7 or below.