Description | Angels Trumpet (Datura metel) is a large annual growing event for the full sun. The large white trumpet flowers open at twilight. Will reseed in the garden. |
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Pronunciation | (dah-TOOR-a) |
Plant Type | Annuals |
Sunlight | full sun |
Moisture | average to slightly dry |
Soil & Site | average |
Temperature | Tender and doesn't tolerate frosts. |
Flowers | Large, white, trumpet-shaped flowers measuring 6-10 inches long and 6-8 inches wide that bloom at night. They are very fragrant, starting as a tightly wrapped tubular calyx. The buds unwind after dusk (vespertine) |
Fruit | Seeds are produced in spiked ball-shaped seed pods. A common name is 'Thorn Apple' because of the spiked seed pods. |
Dimensions | 3 by 5 foot spread, . |
Maintenance | To prevent self-seeding the seed pods need to be removed. Dead flowers form a mass of shriveled soft mushy tissue and need to be deadheaded. |
Propagation | Start seeds 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Also from root cuttings. |
Native Site | Native to Southwest China. |
Misc Facts | This plant contains scopolamine, a dangerous drug used as a sedative and also an alkaloid called hyoscycamine. |
Author's Notes | I have seen many large plants sprawl under their own weight |
Notes & Reference | #27-Rodale's Annual Gardens (Paul Loewer), #47-Annuals for the Connoisseurs (Wayne Winterrowd), #284-University of Wisconsin-Madison (hort.extension.wisc.edu), #274-Site Authors' observations and growing experiences |