Brugmansia arborea aka White Angel's Trumpet

Brugmansia arborea is a tropical shrub or small tree. It belongs to the nightshade family, Solanaceae. Common names include angel’s trumpet, maikoa, and horn of plenty. Kew places its native range from Ecuador to northern Chile. It grows in mountain regions of the tropics. Useful Tropical Plants lists Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia as its range. Garden plants reach 8–13 feet (2.5–4 metres) tall. Their spread reaches about 5–8 feet (1.5–2.5 metres).

This woody plant forms a bushy crown. It may keep its leaves or shed some in cooler conditions. Plants take about five to ten years to reach full size. The white flowers have a trumpet shape and strong scent. Each flower reaches about 0.5 feet (0.15 metres) long. Flowers can appear through much of the year. Insects pollinate them. The blooms are the main reason gardeners grow this plant.

Grow it in sun or partial shade, sheltered from harsh weather. Under glass, give it full light and loam-based, peat-free compost. Outdoors in summer, light shade suits it. Sandy or loamy soil should stay moist but drain well. It accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. Water well during active growth, but reduce watering in winter. Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every two weeks during growth. Keep winter temperatures at about 5°C or above. Plants may shed their leaves, then grow new ones in spring. The RHS rates it H1C, suited to summer outdoors in Britain.

A greenhouse or conservatory gives this tender plant a suitable home. It also suits patio pots and sheltered courtyard gardens. Its flowers fit planting schemes with a tropical feel. Sow seed in spring or take semi-ripe cuttings. Useful Tropical Plants reports best seed germination near 20°C. It also recommends gentle bottom heat for rooting cuttings. Slugs and snails may damage plants. Mealybugs, whitefly, thrips, and red spider mites can also attack. The RHS reports few disease problems.

This plant is poisonous to people and pets if eaten. It can irritate skin, so wear gloves when handling it. Keep plant material away from the eyes. No food uses are known. Useful Tropical Plants records traditional use for pain relief. It also warns that the seeds can impair awareness. Such records do not make this plant safe for home remedies.