Brugmansia 'Charles Grimaldi': The Golden Standard
Among the angel's trumpets, 'Charles Grimaldi' is a standout cultivar prized for its enormous, foot-long, golden-yellow flowers that exude a rich, nocturnal fragrance. Named for the famed plant collector, this hybrid brings unparalleled tropical drama to containers, borders, and conservatories from late spring through autumn.
Key Characteristics
- Flower: **12–18 in. long**, trumpet-shaped, pendulous; **rich golden yellow** aging to deeper gold; flared, reflexed lobes; intensely fragrant at night.
- Bloom season: Late spring to frost; nearly continuous in warm climates.
- Foliage: Large, ovate, semi-evergreen leaves; soft green.
- Habit: Multi-stemmed shrub or small tree; **10–15 ft tall, 6–10 ft wide**; fast-growing.
- Hardiness: USDA zones 9–11 (root hardy to zone 8b with heavy mulch). Grown as annual or container plant elsewhere.
Noteworthy Traits
- Tropical presence: Few plants evoke the tropics like *Brugmansia*—voluminous tubular flowers dripping from imposing shrubs.
- Versatility: Spectacular in large containers, plunged into borders, or as a specimen.
- Toxicity: **All parts highly toxic if ingested** (tropane alkaloids). Site away from children/pets; wear gloves when pruning.
Culture and Care
Outdoors (Zones 9–11 / Summer in Cool Zones)
- Light: Full sun with **filtered afternoon shade** in hottest climates.
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, rich, organic.
- Water: **Consistently moist**—never let dry out. Heavy drinker in heat.
- Fertilizer: Heavy feeder: weekly balanced liquid fertilizer during growth; slow-release at planting.
Indoors / Overwintering (Cool Climates)
- Option A – Active growth: Bright sunroom/greenhouse; water freely, fertilize during bloom; keep just moist in winter. Min 50°F.
- Option B – Dormancy: Cut back hard; store in cool (40–50°F), dark basement; water sparingly (barely moist). Revive in spring with light, water, heat.
- Heat stress: May drop leaves in extreme heat; recovers with cooler temps.
Propagation
- Cuttings: Semi-ripe cuttings in summer (root in 2–4 weeks with heat/humidity).
- Seed: Sow in spring; variable, not true to cultivar.
Pests and Problems
- Spider mites (dry air), whiteflies, mealybugs, caterpillars, aphids.
- Monitor regularly; treat with insecticidal soap/neem.
Landscape Uses
- Container specimen (patio, poolside).
- Tropical border backdrop.
- Conservatory/sunroom focal point.
- Fragrance garden (evening).
Quick Reference
| Trait | Details |
|---|
| Height | 10–15 ft |
| Spread | 6–10 ft |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Light | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Moisture | Medium to Wet |
| Maintenance | Moderate |
| Bloom Time | Early Summer – Frost |
| Flower Color | Golden Yellow |
| Foliage | Evergreen (in warmth) |
| Toxicity | High (all parts) |
