Live to Plant

How to Grow Devils Trumpet Plant Outdoors

Updated: October 30, 2022

Devil’s trumpet plant, also known as Brugmansia, is a beautiful and exotic flowering plant that is native to South America. It is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world for its stunning trumpet-shaped flowers that can reach up to 20 inches in length. If you’re interested in growing this unique plant in your garden or outdoor space, here are some tips to get you started.

Choosing the Right Location

The first step in growing devil’s trumpet plant is to choose the right location. These plants prefer warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight, so look for a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They also need well-draining soil and regular watering to thrive, so make sure the soil is loose and not too compacted.

Planting Your Devil’s Trumpet

Once you’ve chosen the right location, it’s time to plant your devil’s trumpet. Start by digging a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your plant. Then, gently loosen the roots and place the plant in the hole, making sure that it is level with the surrounding soil. Fill in the hole with soil, making sure to press it down firmly around the base of the plant.

After planting, water your devil’s trumpet thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots. Then, add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.

Caring for Your Devil’s Trumpet

Devil’s trumpet plants require regular care and maintenance to stay healthy and produce beautiful blooms. Here are some tips to keep your plant thriving:

  • Water your devil’s trumpet regularly, making sure not to let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
  • Fertilize your plant every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer that is high in phosphorus.
  • Prune your plant regularly to remove dead or damaged growth and to shape the plant as desired.
  • Watch for pests such as aphids and spider mites, which can damage the foliage and flowers. Treat infestations promptly with an insecticidal soap or other approved pest control product.

Propagating Your Devil’s Trumpet

If you want to propagate your devil’s trumpet plant, there are a few different methods you can try. One option is to take softwood cuttings from the plant in the spring or early summer. Simply snip off a 6-inch section of new growth from the tip of the plant, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Then, plant the cutting in moist soil and keep it well-watered until it roots and begins to grow.

Another option is to propagate your devil’s trumpet by layering. To do this, simply bend a low branch down to the ground and cover it with soil, leaving the tip of the branch exposed. Over time, roots will grow from the covered portion of the branch, and you can then cut it away from the parent plant and transplant it.

FAQ

How often should I water my devil’s trumpet plant?

Devil’s trumpet plants require regular watering to stay healthy, especially during hot and dry weather. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions, and make sure not to let the soil dry out completely between waterings.

Can I grow devil’s trumpet indoors?

While devil’s trumpet plants can be grown indoors, they require a lot of light and space to thrive. They are also toxic if ingested, so make sure to keep them out of reach of children and pets.

How long does it take for devil’s trumpet to bloom?

Devil’s trumpet plants typically begin to bloom in their second or third year of growth, depending on the growing conditions and care they receive. Once they begin to bloom, the flowers can last for several weeks or more.