Family:  Nightshade (Solanacea)

Hardy to Zones 10 to 12 (may overwinter in Zones 8 and 9 with protection, otherwise grown as a potted plant and brought indoors for the winter)

(Tree Datura, Eagle Tree, Red Angel’s Trumpet Tree)  Perennial bush to small tree to 16 feet, flowering in very large, showy corollas that dangle, yellow at base, blushing to crimson at the bell, a high-altitude plant endemic to the Columbian and Chilean Andes at an elevation of 6 to 9,000 feet.  These are commonly grown in gardens throughout the US and thrive particularly well in maritime California.  Check for instance Golden Gate Park, where splendid specimens may be found.  Plant is used in shamanic ceremony and should never be ingested–source of tropane alkaloids.  Plant prefers rich, deeply-spaded garden soil in the sun to part shade and thrives as a potted plant. Keep warm and partially shaded.  Acclimatize gradually to outdoor conditions.  These plants are very finicky and require good drainage and a warm exposure to get established.  Space plants 12 feet apart.

Potted plant, 9-inch deep pot, organic