Brug roots growing into the ground

I bought a number of rooted cuttings about 1-1/2 months ago. I planted them in 14 inch pots, but I'm beginning to think the pots are too small. I had to move this Creamsicle and found the roots had grown into the ground. I plan to keep my Brugs in pots until the plants get large enough to take cuttings and I find out which Brigs can overwinter in the ground here in Zone 8b. Should I let them grow into the ground or pot on? What size pots do I use if I need to pot on? Holes in the leaves and the calyx of one flower.

If that one was mine, I'd plant it in the ground, IMO, the ground is easier and they grow better, bigger and bloom more. I winter all mine outside and I'm in zone 8a. I put two stacks of mulch on each brug. That's gonna run into some money this fall, but lots cheaper than heating them all winter...

Agree, put them in the ground if you dont want them for early blooming and hybridizing.

Many people on the Brugmansia forum suggest giving them some afternoon shade. Does that still apply if they are in the ground. DG Plantfiles lists in which zones they survive, but individually by name. Is there a handy list that includes Brug name, hardiness zones and whether they can handle summer heat and sun?

Isn't it just amazing how fast they fill a pot with roots. That is why you can really cheat and pot them in a much bigger pot than you normally would in the spring and early summer. They just take off. For a mature brug, I find I need at least a 15+ gallon pot. Any smaller and I am watering too much. I have a lot of huge ceramic pots that I think are 20 gallons that I use. I do have a lot now in 5 gallon that should flower soon, but only because I am lazy. The tree does not get a huge, lush canopy in such a small pot. Too much constant supervision to keep them well fed and watered in so small a pot. Not to mention how many times they fall over and break off their canopy. They get so top heavy. Makes me nuts. Or nuttier. LOL

I have let some of mine root thru to the ground from the pot if I have no plans to move that brug. It makes it much easier to care for them all summer. They need less water and feeding if they are rooted thru to the ground. Then I just cut off the roots below the pot and trim some foliage off to compensate for the root loss esp if it wilts a lot. They recover very fast from this. Move it into the shade though as it recovers.

I do not know of a list. But I know we have discussed it before on the threads. Maybe if you do some searches on Dave's you can get more opinions. I think you may have to do some trial and error. Everyone's conditions vary so much even in the same zone it is hard to make generalities.

I would think if the brug is in the ground they can with stand more sun. However, you may get wilt in the middle of the day when the sun is hottest. I have most of my brugs in full sun all day but I only get into the 70s usually all summer so I am not a good judge.

GOOD LUCK Bettydee!!! I hope we get to see pics of your babies blooming.