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The eagle tree is one of several nicknames for Brugmansia sanguinea; the red angel trumpet is another.
Grown as either a large shrub or small tree, like all brugs, the eagle tree bears incredible 12- to 16-inch trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in yellow and red.
Unfortunately for most gardeners, this Brugmansia is only hardy to USDA zones 10 and 11. I have heard of the success of some gardeners in zone 9 growing the eagle tree in a pot and overwintering it indoors.
It is important to grow this brugmansia in an area that is protected from high winds, which can snap the flowers. Near a shed, large tree or wall is ideal. They also do best in full sun.
When to water the brugmansia
The eagle tree, like most brugs, require moist soil. This isn’t to say you should drown the plant, but keep the soil evenly moist. A good analogy would be to keep the soil as moist as a well-wrung sponge.
Some areas in zones 10 and 11 can become quite hot in the summer so keep an eye on the moisture content of the soil during hot summer days.
Angel trumpet fertilizer needs
Fertilize the eagle tree with 3 tbsp. ammonium nitrate that you have dissolved in 2 gallons of water. Always water the soil prior to fertilizing any plant. The best time to fertilize this brugmansia is in early spring and then again in late summer.
Then, give it a jolt of commercial fertilizer such as 3-1-2 every two weeks from spring until early fall. Use the rate suggested on the label and sprinkle it on the soil around the plant. Follow this with a good, deep watering. Amazon.com carries the fertilizer and you may also find it at Lowe’s or Home Depot.
If you are overwintering the tree indoors, cut it down drastically before bringing it indoors. Since the tree blooms on new wood, you don’t have to be afraid that a radical pruning will ruin the flowering season–it won’t.
Keep in mind that the eagle tree, and all brugmansia, is poisonous. It is a member of the nightshade family and the seeds are especially deadly.
Mention of a pesticide is for educational purposes only. Always follow the pesticide label directions. Ensure that you wait the required number of days between pesticide application and when you can harvest your crop (that information is on the label).
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