Care of Purple Datura

The purple Datura, also known as the Devil’s Trumpet or Angel’s Horn, is member of the Brugmansia genus of plants. This native of India and Southeast Asia is a prized plant for its large and numerous purple and white flowers; the plant also receives much notoriety due to its toxic nature. The exotic flower grows well in the United States, and with proper care, it can flourish into a 4- to 6-foot tall plant that provides beautiful flowers for years to come.

The purple Datura is a full- to partial-sun plant. Its best growth is experienced under filtered sun. Filtered sun is an area of full sun that occasionally gets blocked by taller plants for a short period of time. Purple Daturas are often planted in portable pots and moved indoors during winter. This famed plant is a successful, outdoor perennial only in areas of the United States that do not experience frost in the winter. Daturas can withstand temperatures in the 20 degree Fahrenheit range; however, once the plant is covered in frost, it will be an annual and require replanting with a new plant in the spring.

Plant the purple Datura in an area with proper drainage; in the wild, they are often found growing on the sides of ditches and riverbanks. If you are planting outside, surround the base of the plant with river stones, mulch or other soil toppers that help slow drainage into the soil. Mulch works well by absorbing some moisture and releasing it slowly. A purple Datura will rot in setting water. If your soil is predominately clay, consider digging a 2- by 3-foot area of land and replacing it with garden soil. Daturas have a tendency to rot in clay. Replacing the core area with garden soil will ensure healthy growth.

In regions that experience frost, the Angel’s Horn must be potted to survive for more than a year. Potted Datura can be set outside in the full to partial sun during spring, summer and fall. In the winter, bring the pot inside and set it near a window that catches some of the morning sun. This ensures that the plant receives sunlight while inside. Once the threat of frost has passed, set the plant outside again. A potted plant usually is smaller in size than its outdoor counterpart. Do not be alarmed if the plant only grows to a couple feet in height; mainly be concerned with the hardiness and health of the plant rather than its size.

When watering the plant, remember that the plant will die if over watered. Depending on how fast your soil drains, water the plant enough to moisten the soil, then wait a few days or until the soil is dry or minimally moist. If you experience rain, do not water until excess water dries.

Proceed with caution when dealing with your plant; purple Datura is highly toxic for ingestion on all parts of the plant. Wear gloves when handling it and keep it out or reach of children and pets.