Bulbs in the Basement, Geraniums on the Windowsill by Brian McGowan

Author:Brian McGowan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
Published: 2008-12-12T05:00:00+00:00

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Datura inoxia

Datura

Thorn apple

HARDINESS VARIES; THOSE LISTED BELOW ARE HARDY TO AT LEAST 30°F

These robust plants have large and dramatic, generally fragrant flowers. Many of the species have been used since ancient times for medicinal and religious purposes and are highly poisonous. Children should be warned of their danger; even pets may be at risk if they ingest parts of the plant.

SPECIES AND CULTIVARS. Datura inoxia subsp. inoxia, also known as angel’s trumpet, has fragrant upward-facing flowers that are either white or violet tinted. This native of the Pacific Northwest and Mexico can grow into a bushy three-foot-high plant. D. metel has ethereal, trumpet-shaped white blooms that emit a lovely fragrance in the evening, and D. metel ‘Double Purple’ produces ruffled, double, bright purple seven-inch trumpets that are also quite fragrant. D. metel ‘Belle Blanche’ has notably gray-green foliage in combination with upward-facing, cream-colored blooms. Daturas bloom from July to frost.

DESIGN IDEAS. The drama of one datura in bloom is sufficient for the creation of a successful container by itself, but these plants can also be combined, particularly in large containers, with a variety of smaller-flowered, perhaps also smaller-leaved, companions. Try Datura metel with Ipomoea batatas ‘Ace of Spades’, or D. metel ‘Double Purple’ with Petunia ‘Fantasy White’.

OVERWINTERING. Cool and bright. Daturas do tend to grow a bit rangy; feel free to prune back to a desirable shape and size.

PROPAGATING. Seeds.

COMMON PEST PROBLEMS. None.

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