British Columbia: Brugmansia Failure to Branch

Hi, I have here a Brugmansia of unknown origin, grown from seed. The plant, after languishing as a nearly blind 3" seedling for a year, suddenly woke up and got growing. This is its third year and it is about 4' high, very healthy and growing. I repotted it this year into a planter with rich soil amended with slow release fertilizer beads, it is getting lots of sun and water.

But, no branching, and with bruggies, that equals no flowers!

Is there any way I can encourage this plant to branch and set some bloom? Photo of upper trunk below shows lots of growth in axils but no branching.

Many thanks,
Janet

 

Less food! Brugs grow naturally in soils so depleted that they support little other growth (I speak as a firsthand observer - they're native trees here). Try starving it a little to begin with to see if that stimulates branching. Other than that, patience!

 

You may have to cut it back this fall to get it to branch. I recommend you go to the following website to find out about growing and propagation. It is really helpful.

http://www.brugmansia.us/growingandpropagation/tips.html

 

Both good suggestions. I think I will air layer off the top section of the plant, with a view to having it rooted enough to pot up for independent living through the winter, which should force the original stalk to branch. And I will keep the cutting, once rooted, on shorter commons until it branches. I only hope the flowers turn out to be worth it! You never know with seeds...

Thanks again for the advice!
Janet

 

To my amazement and delight, and in spite of my not getting around to doing anything to force the issue, the brugmansia finally branched a week ago!

It has even set some flower buds, which (thanks to this fab late summer heat and sun), are likely to mature and bloom. Can't wait to see what colour and fragrance this seedling gives me! Will post a photo.

Again, thanks for the advice!

Regards,
Janet