Re: Brugmansia





Valerie Lowery@ZEON
07/13/98 04:26 PM

I purchased my first brugmansias through White Flower Farm.  The have a
collection of three:  a yellow, white, and a pink one.  They sent along
very detailed growing instructions that I'll attempt to summarize below.
(I have also bought from Logee's Greenhouse, too.  They have a better
selection and cheaper price.)

To overwinter the brugmansia, place either in a sunny window where it will
bloom sporadically through the winter, or place in a dark, cool place such
as a basement or cellar.  If you choose the latter all of the leaves will
fall off.  Don't despair; it's supposed to do that when it's going dormant.
Keep the soil moist through the winter (I watered only once a month).  When
it wants to go outside in the spring, it will start to put out new foliage.
Gradually move it outside after hardening off (you know, outside for a few
hours a day increasing until it can stay out all day).

When it starts to put out new foliage, I take the opportunity to refresh
the soil in the containers by replacing it will a mix of bagged potting
soil, a bagged "perennial" soil (a premium top soil mix sold in a local
nursery -- full of good stuff!), some composted horse manure, and a few
handfuls of a slow release fertilizer.  During the summer months, I have to
water everyday.  I under-plant my trees with coleus, caladiums, or some
other annual.  I also pick off the leaves that will grow along the trunks
leaving just the top leaves.  To me it just looks better and the plants
bloom more profusely.  Watch for whiteflies; mine were just loaded when I
first put them out.  They like the young, fresh foliage.  I use
insecticidal soap to stop major infestations.

Other than the above, I do nothing else.  I would not do without the
evening fragrance for anything.  The blooms are just beautiful!

Val in KY
zone 6a


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