|
Statistics
Members: 237
News: 1054
Web Links: 17
Visitors: 640476
|
Datura - Angels Trumpet
Even though Datura and Brugmansia contain poisonous and hallucinogenic properties, they are still seen widely in a lot of gardens. They have such fragrant showy flowers that they are well worth including them in your garden or using them as potted plants.
The main difference between the two plants species is Datura is a herbaceous annual, often called Angels Trumpet, that produces flowers that face up and Brugmansia is a tropical perennial bush or tree [zone 7-8] and the flowers hang down. They grow best in the heat, and like very fertile soil. Fertilize with a product high in nitrogen, for best flowering results. They are relatively easy to grow from seeds. It is recommended to soak the seeds first in hot tap water for 24 hours, changing the water 3-4 times. It takes 1-8 weeks to germinate so keep the soil well moistened.
There are a great many varieties and cultivars of Brugmansia in a wide range of colours to choose from but unfortunately they don't often breed true from the seed. They nearly always revert back to the original white.
Fortunately it is reasonably easy to start plants from cuttings to produce the same wonderful colors as the parent plant. Take an 8 inch cutting off the end of a branch just above a node where a new leaf will sprout. If there are more than one or two small leaves on the cutting remove them and place the cutting in a glass container of water submerging the bottom 6 inches of the stem. Keep up the water level and leave the cutting until the roots have grown several inches. Plant in a medium size pot and transplant when needed; these plants need lots of room to grow once they get started. One advantage of taking a cutting from a young plant is this forces the parent plant to form side shoots. And it is not until the plant starts to branch or form a Y shape that they start to flower. Forcing this branching on the plant when it is still small produces a much more attractive shrub.
They can be wintered inside with a fair degree of success. Chose a sunny window and water moderately, or let the plant go semi-dormant in a cool space that doesn't freeze.
There are a number of extremely interesting legends surrounding the Datura species and they have been used by practically all cultures who have come into contact with them, as visionary plants. The practice dates back at least 3000 years and most varieties were regarded as sacred. The astecs, used 'Dutura innoxia' for medicinal purposes and they were so sacred only the priests were allowed to use them. It was also used by different cultures as a Shamanic plant.
The history of these plants is extremely fascinating, but for me it's the wonderful fragrant flowers that I love.
Lindi Karmason
Success With Container Planting
Planting in pots or containers is very popular these days. As outdoor living spaces become smaller, container gardening is an excellent way to create a focal point on a balcony or terrace.
In the Okanagan, all planters should be generous in size. Small planters are often overlooked or forgotten, and quickly dry out in the heat. If you have chosen large containers - don't fill them completely with potting soil. The budget minded gardener would displace the volume of the bottom half of the container with varying objects. Milk jugs, plastic soda bottles or empty plastic pots upside down in the bottom half of the planter will do the trick. Keep in mind that whatever you use, you will need to remove it and dispose of it at the end of the season. Styrofoam packing chips will be all over your garden in a fall breeze.
There is no need to add gravel or other drainage material to your planters, as almost all new planters have drainage holes. When container gardening became popular at the beginning of the last century - the planters didn't have holes for drainage. They also used soil from the garden - which is something we shouldn't do. Purchase a quality potting soil for good drainage and root development. A feeding of 20/20/20 once a week will keep your plants happy and healthy. Never fertilize a dry planter. By watering first and then fertilizing, you won't burn the roots if your fertilizer is too strong.
Grouping together planters of varying shapes and heights creates a good focal point. Consider one predominant color scheme for the largest plant material in the grouping of pots. Choose a complimentary color for filler plants to tie the larger plants and the color of your pots together. A variation of texture adds interest to any planter. Choose plants that stand out from each other. Combine smooth and rough foliage with round and spiky flowers.
Be sure to place your summer planters where you can enjoy them by looking out from inside your home, as well as when you are outside.
When purchasing your container plant material, keep in mind their sunlight requirements. Choose the right plant for the right place.
Ben Willis for Outdoor Living Rooms Design Co. |
|
Subscription
Special OfferOrder 12 ISSUES of the CHOICE for family and friends for only $12.00 plus gst (Canada only). Send your name and address and a cheque to Seniors Choice at Box 41075 RPO South, Lake Country, BC V4V 1Z7
MYRA CANYON KELOWNA BC
SILVER STAR VERNON BC
|
