Angel trumpet or brugmansia (Brugmansia suaveolens) is often called by its common name, datura. However, datura is the annual form of the angel trumpet plant and brugmansia is the perennial form. Evergreen in zone 9 and above, it dies to the ground in cooler climates but returns in the spring. The angel trumpet is known for its beautiful, sweet-smelling blooms that hang downward and can reach 20 inches in length. The plant can grow to 15 feet high and is native to South America.
Locate a space in the garden to plant your angel trumpet plant that is shaded from intense afternoon sun. Angel trumpets planted in full sun in warmer climates wilt during the heat of the day and blooms will be sparse or non-existent. However, too much shade will limit bloom production. Angel trumpets live for 20 years or more, so plan accordingly. Plant at the same level as it was planted in the nursery pot.
Back-fill the planting hole with a mixture of one part compost to three parts soil. If your soil is alkaline, mix one part peat moss, one part compost and two parts soil. Water slowly while adding back-fill to prevent air pockets around the roots.
Add granulated, organic fertilizer or time-released fertilizer for flowering plants around the base of the plant in the quantity recommended on the fertilizer label.
Spread a mixture of mulch and compost around base of plant and over the fertilizer to a depth of 3 inches.
Apply a water-soluble fertilizer to the root zone of the plant every week or two during the growing season to encourage bloom production.