Angel's trumpet Brugmansia x candida
Angel's trumpet (Brugmansia x candida) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Solanaceae family, native to Garden hybrid of Andean species (Peru, Ecuador, Colombia). It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Angel's trumpet in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Angel's trumpet at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 13–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Garden hybrid of Andean species (Peru, Ecuador, Colombia) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Angel's trumpet toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: all parts, flowers, seeds, sap
All parts contain tropane alkaloids (scopolamine, atropine); ingestion causes delirium, dilated pupils, fast heart rate and can be fatal, and sap in the eye dilates the pupil.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Angel's trumpet
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Florence fennel: Fennel releases growth-inhibiting compounds from roots and foliage; lab and garden reports show poorer growth of tomato, pepper and other nearby crops, so keep it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Smoke tree: Smoke tree is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which persists in soil after tomato, potato or aubergine crops; avoid planting it where those crops have wilted. Evidence C
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables nearby; grow it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Nightshades: Nightshades share late blight, early blight, Verticillium wilt and Colorado potato beetle; mix with other families and rotate the bed. Evidence B
- avoid With Potato: Potatoes are the main source of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) that spreads to tomatoes and other nightshades within a few metres. Evidence B
- caution With Sunflower: Sunflower residues and roots release phenolic compounds that can slow nearby seedlings; transplants are less affected. Evidence C
See Angel's trumpet in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- The Huntington (2 plants)
Questions about Angel's trumpet
- How far apart should I plant Angel's trumpet?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Angel's trumpet need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Angel's trumpet need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Angel's trumpet?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Angel's trumpet flower?
- From about June for 13–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Angel's trumpet poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people severely toxic. All parts contain tropane alkaloids (scopolamine, atropine); ingestion causes delirium, dilated pupils, fast heart rate and can be fatal, and sap in the eye dilates the pupil.
- What grows well with Angel's trumpet?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Angel's trumpet. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Poisonous plants of North Carolina / Plant Toolbox toxicity, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Frost-tender; evergreen in zones 9-11, usually grown in containers and overwintered indoors in colder climates. Fragrant at night and extremely poisonous: keep away from children and pets.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Eggplant (aubergine) Solanum melongena
- Chili pepper Capsicum annuum (hot types)
- Petunia Petunia x hybrida
- Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica