The Datura it is a plant loved and hated at the same time. Its flowers are very elegant and decorative; however, it is toxic. They grow as herbs, shrubs or small trees distributed throughout the globe, except in Antarctica.
It is, therefore, one of the few genera that can be cultivated throughout the world. A crop that, by the way, is suitable for beginners. They are very grateful plants and that is something that the gardener will immediately notice. Do we know her a little better?
Datura belongs to the Solanaceae family. Its name ‘Datura’ translated into Sanskrit means “prickly apple” due to the appearance of its fruits. They are plants with beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers in white, orange, red or purple colors. Its growth rate is very fast, being ideal for those who wish to have a spectacular garden in a matter of a few years. Its height will depend on the specific species, hovering between the 0 and 6m. Those that are used as an ornamental plant reach a height of + 2m.
They normally flower in late summer, but if the weather is mild you can do it again in winter. And speaking of cold months, it is important to know that is sensitive to frost. Now the Datura tree (also known as Brugmansia arborea) can withstand temperatures down to -2ºC without flinching.
It can grow in all types of soils, including clayey ones. In addition, it is very adaptablebecause it lives just as well being exposed directly to the sun or in semi-shade.
The only downside is that, as we said, it is a toxic plantTherefore, it should not be planted in gardens where there are children or pets, since just by touching its leaves and then sucking on our fingers we would run a significant risk.
It reproduces easily by seedswhich you can sow in a seedbed during the spring.
The Datura is a very beautiful plant, but would you have it in your garden?
