How to Grow Angel's Trumpet 'Charles Grimaldi'
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Angel's Trumpet 'Charles Grimaldi'
Brugmansia × candida 'Charles Grimaldi'
shrubA stunning cultivar of angel's trumpet known for its large, golden-yellow trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom prolifically throughout the warm season. This semi-woody shrub can reach 6-10 feet tall and produces highly fragrant, pendulous blooms that are often double-flowered. The plant is tropical and tender, requiring warm conditions and protection in cooler climates.
When should you plant Angel's Trumpet 'Charles Grimaldi' in your zone?
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Example Angel's Trumpet 'Charles Grimaldi' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Angel's Trumpet 'Charles Grimaldi'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Angel's Trumpet 'Charles Grimaldi'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 9b-12; can be grown in containers and overwintered indoors in cooler zones
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Get my Angel's Trumpet 'Charles Grimaldi' timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-6 weeksYoung plant develops root system and initial leaf growth; stems are green and soft
Water consistently to keep soil moist; provide bright light; protect from strong wind; avoid fertilizing until established (4-6 weeks)
Vegetative Growth
2-4 monthsRapid stem and leaf development; plant grows taller and fuller with increasingly larger leaves
Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; maintain consistent moisture; provide support structure as needed; prune to encourage bushiness if desired
Pre-flowering
2-4 weeksPlant reaches mature size; branch terminals begin showing flower buds; plant may appear less vigorous as energy shifts
Switch to higher phosphorus fertilizer to promote blooming; maintain consistent watering; ensure full sun exposure; reduce nitrogen to avoid excessive foliage
Flowering
3-6 months or longer in warm climatesLarge, golden-yellow trumpet flowers open, often double-petaled and highly fragrant; blooms appear in succession over weeks or months
Continue regular watering and feeding; deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued bloom; provide support for heavy flower-laden branches; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues
Dormancy/Winter Rest
2-4 monthsIn cooler zones or seasons, plant growth slows dramatically; foliage may thin or drop; flowering ceases
Reduce watering significantly; move container plants indoors to frost-free location (50-60°F ideal); minimal fertilizing; prune dead or damaged wood in early spring before growth resumes
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or horticultural oil; increase humidity to deter; rinse foliage regularly with water
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce parasitic wasps
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs; spray neem oil; improve air circulation
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Spray strong water spray to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs
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Hand-pick; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; encourage natural predators
Uses
Tropical Garden Focal Point
OrnamentalThe golden-yellow double flowers make this a stunning centerpiece plant in warm gardens and containers. Its tropical appearance and night-time fragrance create an exotic garden atmosphere. [source]
Cut Flowers and Arrangements
HouseholdLarge, showy blooms are excellent for floral arrangements and table displays. The pendulous flowers create dramatic, elegant arrangements that last several days in water. [source]
Fragrance Source
CraftThe intensely fragrant evening and morning blooms provide natural perfume for gardens and nearby spaces. The scent is sweet and exotic, popular in perfumery and aromatics. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeLarge flowers attract moths, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, making it valuable for supporting local wildlife populations in gardens. [source]
Traditional Uses (Caution Required)
MedicinalHistorically used in small amounts for pain relief and sleep; contains tropane alkaloids making it psychoactive and potentially dangerous. Not recommended for home use due to toxicity and unpredictable alkaloid content. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Brugmansia is ornamental rather than culinary; 'harvest' refers to enjoying the flowers. Cut flower stems with several blooms can be brought indoors for arrangements; they remain fresh 3-5 days. Flowers are most fragrant in evening and early morning. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continued blooming.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Angel's Trumpet' refers to the large, pendulous, trumpet-shaped flowers that can reach 10-12 inches long and emit an intensely sweet fragrance primarily at night and early morning to attract night-pollinating moths.
- 🌱 'Charles Grimaldi' is named after Prince Charles of Monaco and produces characteristic golden-yellow blooms; it is a hybrid cultivar bred for superior ornamental qualities and more reliable flowering than species forms.
- 🌱 All parts of Brugmansia are highly toxic, containing tropane alkaloids (scopolamine, hyoscyamine) that can cause hallucinations, delirium, and severe poisoning even in small amounts—handling requires caution and it must be kept away from children and pets.
Gardening Terms
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