Matt's 9b field note
“Dramatic upward-facing trumpets.”
Background
Datura metel is thought to have originated in India and is now naturalized across the warm world, spread by its long history as a medicinal, ritual, and ornamental plant (the genus name comes from the Hindi dhatura). Cultivated ornamentals include single, double, and triple-flowered forms in white, purple, and yellow ('Fastuosa', 'Ballerina Yellow'). All parts are highly toxic, rich in scopolamine, atropine, and hyoscyamine.
Distinguishing traits
Shrubby annual or short-lived perennial, 3-6 ft; coarse dark green leaves with a foetid smell when crushed. Large dramatic upward-facing trumpet flowers 6-8 in, powerfully sweet-scented at night (hawkmoth-pollinated); spiny round seed capsules.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- n/a — ornamental
- Cold hardiness
- Perennial in zones 8-10; grown as an annual where freezes are hard. Reseeds freely.
- Heat tolerance
- Loves heat and full sun; thrives in desert summers.
- Water
- Drought tolerant but blooms best with regular water; needs well-drained soil.
- Soil
- Adaptable; prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun.
Where to buy
- Herbalistics (Australia)