I just purchased my first Brugmansia (as a container plant, tree-like form), peach colored flowers with variegated leaves. I'm in Chicago, zone 5b and would like to know anything specific about growing these plants. I've been looking through the forum and haven't found anything FAQs.
I'm successful at growing Plumeria and Hibiscus, and also a wide array of Palms. In the midwest, the trick is over-wintering them and I'm able to do that. I have a south facing window, so full sun is an option in winter. Of course it's outside now.
I've got questions:
1. Does Brugmanisa go dormant in winter, like my Plumeria? Will it drop leaves completely?
2. What kind of fertilizer to use? A generic 20-20-20 is ok? Is it a heavy feeder or light feeder?
3. Does it bloom constantly or in cycles? Which season does it bloom?
4. Do you prune it back in winter? Do flowers form on new growth or both old and new?
Thanks for any info you can provide.
Chicago Jim
Care of Brugmansia?
Jim,
You have just asked for a response that would fill a book. Might I suggest you Google "Brugmansia" and look for links to the two Brug groups/societies websites which have extensive information in this area. We are forbidden to mention the groups on this forum because it has caused so much trouble in the past, please read the "sticky" thread at the top of this forum.
Welcome to Brugs, I can promise you will be HOOKED, for they are addictive.
Judy
I've sent you a Dmail with some links
Judy
Also take some time and just read thru old posts much of what you are looking for is right here in this forum. There is also some good books out there. Google Brugmansia books and take your pick. Like Judy said they are addictive ! Continue at your own risk!!! These plants should carry a warning LOL! ;o)
Caren
Hi Jim,
1. Brugs do not go dormant like plumeria. Generally in your zone, you should bring it in before the first frost and put it somewhere that is relatively dark and cool, but does not get down to freezing temps. You don't want to water very often and leaves may or may not fall off depending upon what light they get. It's kinda like resting for them. Or you can put it by a south facing window in the winter.
2. Brugs are greedy guts when it comes to food. When I feed, I use a general all purpose fertilizer. The kind you mix in a bucket .. 1 tablespoon to a gallon etc.
3. My brugs tend to bloom in flushes, like roses (mine are in the ground, don't know if this is true for containered plants). They start setting buds around May and the first bloom for me is usually at the end of June. They will continue to bloom all Summer. When grown in containers, they tend to bloom earlier and it is my understanding that root bound brugs flower more. Come fall, when the days get shorter, they will bloom their heads off.
4. Cutting it back in the winter is personal preference since you won't be dealing with killing frosts. If you cut it back, in Spring when new growth appears you will get lots of new shoots. Essentially making it a bush. If you don't cut it back, new growth will appear at leaf nodes like most plants. It flowers on new growth.
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