Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Teach me what you know!, 1 by TrixieM

TrixieM wrote:
Well, Kauai, I'm no expert, but brugmansias like to be warm....not particularly hot, but warm. You are in the same zone I am, and mine are all outside right now. In your zone, you should have good luck planting your brug in the ground. I find that when planted in the ground, mine grow much larger and make more flowers than the ones in pots do.

I would recommend planting it in a place which gets morning sun and some afternoon shade. They are heavy feeders, so fertilize fairly often. There are many theories on which fertilizer is best. I use Miracle Grow and Osmacote with micros, along with alfalfa tea. The PH of the soil should preferably be neutral. In the heat of summer in your zone, you plant will probably wilt every afternoon, which means it is thirsty. Water thoroughly at this time, and it will likely straighten up and be fine. I've noticed that brugmansias don't seem to die often due to their turgor pressure being low like many plants do.

Another problem you will have is bugs. The biggest problems I have are caterpillars, spider mites, and cucumber beetles. BT is good for the worms and won't kill the beneficial insects that pollinate your plant. Avid, although very expensive, is the only thing I have found that will get rid of spider mites. (They look like little tiny grains of red pepper on the backs of the leaves. You will notice that when they are present, the fronts of the leaves will look yellowish and mottled.) If you find anything that gets those darned cucumber beetles besides squishing them with you fingers, please let me know!

Brugmansias are easy to grow, lovely to look at, and great fun to share because they can be propogated so easily. Also when you get your first bloom, late in the evening their scent is heavenly.

They are also addictive. Enjoy!

Kay

This message was edited Apr 1, 2005 4:18 PM