Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Brugmansia aurea
Golden Angel's Trumpet
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Height
- 15 to 20 feet
- Width
- 10 to 15 feet
- Flower color
- Pale yellow to gold
- Foliage color
- Green
- Bloom time
- Summer to mid-fall
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Prune to maintain shape and remove spent flowers; protect from frost in cooler climates
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 9 to 11
- Wildlife
- Fragrant flowers attract pollinators such as moths and bats; deer resistant
About this plant
Brugmansia aurea, commonly known as golden angel's trumpet, is native to the Andean regions of Ecuador and northern Peru. It blooms from summer into fall, producing large, pendulous, trumpet-shaped flowers that range in color from pale yellow to rich gold. The blossoms release a powerful, sweet fragrance, especially in the evening, to attract pollinators like moths.
What sets Brugmansia aurea apart is the size and scent of its blooms, with flowers often reaching over 12 inches long. Unlike some other Brugmansia species, its blooms tend to face more downward, giving them a graceful, draping appearance. The plant's velvety, soft green leaves and its ability to flower in flushes throughout the warmer months add to its lush, tropical presence in the garden.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Lungworts · Daylilies · Japanese anemones · Bleeding hearts · Catmint · Heucheras
Design tip
Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Point Defiance Park Gardens.
