Angel's Trumpet 'Dr. Seuss' (Brugmansia 'Dr. Seuss')

Angel's trumpet 'Dr. Seuss' (Brugmansia 'Dr. Seuss', syn. 'Hetty Krauss') is a cultivar of the spectacular, fragrant, trumpet-flowered shrubs native to South America. A member of the Solanaceae family, it's grown for its huge, pendulous, sweetly scented blooms.

Description

Large, woody shrub or small tree 6–15 feet tall (smaller in containers). Leaves are large, ovate, slightly fuzzy. Flowers are enormous—8–12 inches long, trumpet-shaped, pale yellow to cream with a flared, ruffled mouth. Fragrance is intense, sweet, and lemony, strongest at night. Blooms in flushes from spring to fall. 'Dr. Seuss' is noted for its particularly ruffled, whimsical flower form.

Growing Conditions

• Zones: 9–11 as perennial; grown in containers elsewhere.
• Light: Full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade prevents leaf scorch.
• Soil: Rich, well-drained, consistently moist.
• Water: Heavy drinker; keep evenly moist. Daily watering in hot weather.
• Temperature: Heat-loving; damaged below 35°F (2°C). Overwinter indoors in cold zones.

Care & Maintenance

Feed weekly with balanced fertilizer during active growth. Prune in late winter to shape. Stake heavy branches. Overwinter in cool (40–50°F), bright location; water sparingly. Propagate from cuttings.

Uses

Specimen container plant, patio tree, tropical garden focal point. Evening fragrance is unforgettable near seating areas.

Critical Toxicity Warning

All parts of Brugmansia are highly toxic (tropane alkaloids). Ingestion can cause hallucinations, paralysis, and death. Keep away from children and pets. Wear gloves when pruning; wash hands thoroughly.

Potential Issues

Spider mites, whiteflies, caterpillars. Root rot if overwatered in cool conditions. Requires heavy feeding and watering for best performance.

A breathtaking, fragrant tropical shrub that demands respect for its toxicity.