Datura Hybrid, Devil's Trumpet, Horn of Plenty, Downy Thorn Apple 'Alba'

deerfarmer, in bellville, texas states that datura metal has been a joy to watch. Interesting I have two slightly different plants of t...Read Morehe same species: one has light purple and white flowers with green bracets holding the flower, and the second growing in the same medium has darkpurple floweres with purple bracets, and the fruic has purple knobs on the globe. Ive had these in pots, but plan to plant one in soil this fall. Flowere are wonderfully fragrant, but only last one to two days.

This plant is super easy to grow from seed. The flower and seed pods are so interesting. Mine does better in part shade, the flowers ca...Read Moren't take the heat in full sun here (8b).

For Clayton in Waco, TX Sunbonnet Sue, zone 8b, lake Sam Rayburn has grown Devil's Trumpet, Horn of Plenty, Downy Thorn, Apple "Alba" (D...Read Moreatura metel) for two years. Mine have wonderful white/purple blend rather than solid white. My huge blooms face upward rather than downward, Alba is potted and in southern flower bed, blooming in cold December 2004. I cover it if temps. dip lower than 35 (I like to be on safe side) Datura will take 10 deg. temps, dies to ground to sprout back in spring. I keep potted Datura in greenhouse, too, as a back-up plant.
Datura's need spreading room or preferably grow on lattice or similiar support for fragile vines. Datura is a wonderful seed bearer. In the Spring when maximum growth starts , I feed with slow-release fertilizer like Osmocote with great success. Watch out for slugs/snails who easily climb vines to nibble on tender, large leaves.
Happy gardening,

Top view of triple white Alba Datura metel. Immaculately white in color and very fragrant.