About
A tender deciduous perennial, grown as an annual in cooler climates. It produces large green leaves and trumpet-shaped white flowers, flushed with dark purple during the summer. The flowers give off a fragrance at night.
About the genus
Datura can be large annuals or short-lived perennials, with simple, coarsely toothed leaves and often fragrant, funnel-shaped white or purple flowers followed by spiny seed-capsules
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesSub-tropical, Patio and container plants, Architectural
ToxicityTOXIC 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
CultivationGrow in fertile, moisture retentive, well-drained soil with full sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in situ in spring or earlier under glass and planted out after the danger of frost
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus