Some of you have seen this plant before. Now my concern is whether or not these branches are getting too long. This is my first standard and I'm afraid that the laterals are going to snap off from the main trunk. How strong are Brugmansia anyway? Should I fear this plant being blown around and the top snapping from the torque?. I am so scared...........
And yes, I know..............all that top growth for such a skinny trunk. Just don't kick sand in its face. It's trying so hard:)
Good question. I had 2 large Isabella's last season with nice trunks but with such large tops, leaves and so many flowers, I lost some good sized branches.
I can't remember where I read that some people use taller post and tie the top to the post for support. i would love to see a photo of one done that way but haven't yet.
Dott
I've seen reference to a 'standard' on this forum before but have no idea what it is or what it's for. Why does one want one? Forgive my ignorance!
-- Vicky
nice if i had any i would love it tall, standard or ??
I prefer to grow mine as standards. I have a Native habitat double peach that thought not as tall as yours it getting there fast, and also has a skinny trunk. I will stake it very well and make sure it is near a wind break. last summer my Whiskers plant was 8 feet tall and had a huge top. It blew over a few times till I pushed it up close to a fence.
A standard is when you have one trunk and a nice canopy top as in the picture wateredge posted. Veris's grown this way are so beautiful since they get to hang and can be seen. Some plants just do not like to be grown as standards, they have thinner branches that grow in all directions, though beautiful they are hard to manage.
since mine have to be brought in for winters it is soooo much easier to get those standards in and they take up less room while in the basement.
watersedge, that is a gorgeous plant. Congratulations to you! It will be a real showpiece when it blooms.
I recall reading on another thread in the past that lateral stems can (should?) be pruned in early spring to keep the plant shaped nicely and prevent long, scraggly stems that are prone to wind damage. Hopefully some of the real experts here will offer some guidance. I, too, have a few "standards" that are getting very top heavy.
In my experience, Brug stems are rather brittle and a strong wind can do some serious (and permanent) damange. I can't imagine anyone grows "standards" without staking them carefully and strongly, unless the plants are really old. Someone please correct me if I am mistaken.
Good luck to you.
Erick
I think a larger pot will give a thicker trunk, in time.
My standards around the pool, this year they will go in larger pots yet. they are to messy to be around the pool, this was for a picture. I found the blue tubs in green this year so I will change color also. They were on sale for 6.00 each.
I use Green Bamboo Stakes for all my Standards
Diamond... What size are those blue pots and do you drill holes in the bottom for drainage? How old are those brugs.. they are stunning! Can't wait to show this pic to my mother. I would love to get a couple growing like that in yellow and pink!
Tammie
Oh boy Diamond! That brug looks fabulous alongside the Cannas and roses! What a gorgeous shot!
I've always heard that standardizing a plant makes it weaker. I'm not all that sure tho.
diamond123 - those are swell standards and what you've done with them at your pool is precisely what I'm intending to do with the others that I have coming on. Thanks everyone for the input. You've been very helpful.
Emeril
diamond thats beautiful and a great picture.
diamond123, thank you for sharing the stunning pictures. Wow. You've done an amazing job with your pool-area Brugmansias.
Erick
