With its large white flowers and narrow long sword shaped leaves, Brugmansia x candida Culebra is related to the species supposedly used by the Incas for ceremonial purposes.
Although sometimes written about as a ‘tender’ plant, this really does depend on the climate. This is an evergreen species in warmer climates however in cooler areas it will be deciduous and is frost tender.
So for those in warmer climates, it can flower almost year round, with the main flowers in spring to summer, however spot flowering in fall and winter in those warmer zones.
The flowers are white with split and slightly ribbed petals, fragrant on warm evenings.
As with all Brugmansias all parts of the plant are toxic and should be handled and pruned with gloves on.
The flowers are pendulous and hang beneath the foliage, the plant itself will easily reach 9ft – 3m+.
Care
Brugmansia x candida Culebra foliage
Well suited to growing outdoors in warmer USDA zones 10 – 11, Brugmansia x candida Culebra will need to be overwintered indoors in cooler climates.
For those wanting to grow this plant in colder zones, plant hem in a container. Plants can be pruned back fairly hard in fall, and they will re shoot in spring as the temperature warms up.
Plants are actually best pruned back so that form an umbrella shape. The flowers hanging beneath look best this way.
Container grown plants will require the same humus rich moist fertile soil as those grown outdoors.
Varieties
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How to Propagate Brugmansia
Very easy to grow from cuttings, best taken in spring to summer.
- The cuttings can be around 1 ft long.
- Trim the foliage in half.
- Place the cutting in a container with a humus rich soil mix.
- Water well.
- Provide some humidity, and protection from very hot sun.
- New growth should appear within 2 weeks.
- Leave in the container until the next spring before planting out.
Summary
- Humus rich moist well drained soils
- Easy in zones 10 -11. Overwinter indoors in cooler zones.
- Prune back in spring or in fall.
