Re: Brugmannsia



david feix wrote:

> --- Richard Starkeson <johnsaia@dnai.com> wrote:
>
> > On the subject of
> > Brugmansias, here in the same seasonal climate as
> > mentioned (USDA, Sunset 17),
> > but much cooler, what is the best way to prune them?
>
> Richard,
>
> For almost anywhere in Berkeley, I'd suggest not
> pruning it this late in the year, as new succulent
> growth would be more susceptible to frost damage, and
> if the weather gets cool fast, there may not be enough
> heat to get more bloom this year, and probably not
> until next spring.  From your description of growth on
> your Brug- the vertical unbranched growth maybe more
> related to low light levels, most Brugmanisas will
> branch heavily all over the stems, and I don't note
> this dieback of forked branches to one bud.  They even
> exhibit good dense growth on the shadier north side of
> buildings if they get some late afternoon sun or are
> not shaded by dense trees.  They do continue blooming
> if well fed and located where they stay warm and wind
> protected in late fall/winter;
>
> Heavy and regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer seems to
> encourage better growth and bloom.  I suggest you don't prune, but
> fetilize and give it more light
> if possible.  I constantly tip pinch and thin out new buds and shoots
> on the interior branches to keep my plants looking their best, and it
> doesn't seem to sacrifice too much bloom.

Thanks, David for the suggestions.  I have never really fed it much.  As
to light - it gets plenty - in full sun half the day, and shaded in the
afternoon.  It is  in a windy spot - on the street - and does suffer
from too much wind in winter.  I am not sure of the variety - is
between pink and salmon colored, but very fragrant - which many of the
colored varieties seem not to be.

Richard Starkeson
Berkeley, California
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