About

Brugmansia sanguinea is a deciduous shrub characterized by its open, branching structure. It produces numerous long, tubular flowers measuring about 20 cm, displaying a red hue accentuated by yellow veins. Unlike its relatives in the Brugmansia family, this species blooms in the autumn months rather than summer, and its flowers are notable for being unscented.

About the genus

Brugmansia consists of sizable evergreen shrubs characterized by simple, ovate foliage. They produce large, solitary flowers that are either trumpet-shaped or tubular and frequently emit a notable fragrance.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H2

Plant details

Plant type
Conservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native to
Andes
Toxicity
TOXIC if eaten, skin irritant, avoid eye contact. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

Cultivation
Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. Water freely while in active growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks. Keep barely moist in winter. Maintain a minimum winter temperature of about 5°C; the plants will lose their leaves but these will regrow in spring. Plants may be moved outdoors to a position in light, dappled shade in summer. See brugmansia cultivation for further information
Pruning
Pruning group 9, or pruning group 7 if needed
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed in spring, or by semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to slugs, snails, mealybugs, glasshouse whitefly, thrips and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free