Hark! The Angel’s Trumpets are ready to sing
Angel’s Trumpets are one of the most popular plants for a part-shade location, and those who love them are always on the outlook for a new cultivar. Enter Brugmansia ‘Double Apricot,’ an unusual variety grown by Annie’s Annuals & Perennials. A first glance at the flowers will cause a double take, as one trumpet seems to emerge from the center of the other. True doubles like this are unusual; throw in the orange-y-peach colors, and you have an instant focal point.
Like most Angel’s Trumpets, this cultivar grows quickly, reaching 10 feet in a year. You will get some flowers the first year, but in year two it sports an abundance of 8- to 10-inch flared trumpet flowers. When in full bloom, the show is almost overwhelming. And there’s no “one and done” with this small tree; blooming will eventually span a good six months of the year.
Many Angel’s Trumpets exude a mild but pleasing fragrance, so if possible, plant yours where you’ll be able to enjoy that scent. They are popular with hummingbirds intent on collecting nectar, as well as with certain nocturnal moths.
Brugmansias are heavy feeders, so amend the soil with as much nutrition as possible when planting. During the growing season, supplement with a balanced organic fertilizer and water deeply on a regular basis.
You can plant the dwarf variety in a pot, but otherwise it’s best to put your Angel’s Trumpet in the ground, preferably somewhere with morning or filtered sun. If you’re in a milder zone, you can plant it in more sun against a house. Situating it near a window allows for the delicious aroma to be enjoyed from indoors.
There are wonderful Angel’s Trumpets on the market. The popular Charles Grimaldi offers yummy peach colors and a wonderful fragrance. Ecuador Pink’s color is an enticing bubblegum pink, while Brugmansia sauveolens sports lovely pale yellow flowers.
There is a full-size white variety (‘Betty Marshall’) as well as a dwarf white (‘Little Moon’) that reaches only 4 feet. There’s also a lovely double-white form (B. x candida ‘Double White’).
Warning: Note that all parts of this plant are toxic.
When in full bloom, the show is almost overwhelming.