Horn-of-plenty (Datura metel)

Overview

The Horn-of-plenty, scientifically known as Datura metel, creates an immediate, dramatic focal point in any warm-season garden. This plant is prized globally for its spectacular, trumpet-shaped flowers that unfurl in the evening, releasing a profoundly sweet and overpowering fragrance perfect for placement near patios. Native to Southwestern China, Datura metel is typically grown as a short-lived, sprawling tender perennial or annual in most regions outside its native range.

Despite its low maintenance needs, this species commands attention with its size, reaching up to 4 feet tall and wide, supporting large, ovate dark green leaves. While the flowers are ephemeral—lasting only a single night before noon the next day—the continuous succession of blooms from July until the first frost ensures a long season of spectacle. Gardeners should note that Datura metel belongs to the nightshade family, and all parts of the plant are highly toxic.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Solanaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Range: Southwestern China
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-10
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 3-4 ft
  • Spread: 3-4 ft
• Bloom Time: July to frost
• Bloom Description: White, yellow, lilac and purple
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

To successfully establish Datura metel, plant it in a location receiving full sun. It thrives in rich, humusy, well-drained loam soils, requiring regular moisture, especially when establishing. Purchase nursery plants in the spring or begin seeds indoors approximately 6 to 8 weeks before the last anticipated frost date. Ensure plants are set out only after all danger of frost has completely passed.

Because the Horn-of-plenty tends to sprawl outward, space specimens about 3 feet apart unless you plan to stake or provide other physical support. Maintenance is generally low; deadheading spent blossoms is not required but harvesting ripe seed pods for use the following spring is recommended. Even where not winter hardy (like Zone 8 regions), self-seeding may occasionally occur.

If gardening in containers, you can extend the life of your Datura metel by cutting the plant back after the first frost and overwintering it indoors near a sunny window, bringing the scent of the tropics back into the home during winter.

Landscape Uses

The visual impact and intense evening fragrance make Datura metel an excellent choice for borders or as an architectural specimen planting. While it performs well in structured garden beds, it truly shines when placed in containers near high-traffic areas like patios or outdoor seating arrangements. This positioning maximizes the enjoyment of the overpowering floral scent once the trumpets unfurl at dusk.

Consider grouping Datura metel with plants that offer contrasting textures or daytime bloom interest, as the flowers of the Horn-of-plenty are primarily nocturnal. Its strong structure and large leaves work well alongside finer-textured foliage plants, providing an exotic, temporary screen or dramatic accent. When grown as an annual, its upright habit fills spaces quickly throughout the summer.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Noteworthy Characteristics

Datura metel, commonly called horn of plenty, devil’s trumpet, angel’s trumpet or thornapple, is native to southern China. It is a shrubby, sprawling, short-lived, tender perennial that is grown in St. Louis as an annual. Foliage emits a disagreeable odor when bruised or crushed, contrasting with the single or double, upward-facing trumpets (to 7” long) noted for their sweetly overpowering fragrance. Flowers bloom intermittently from mid-summer to frost, followed by thorny, spherical fruit.

Tolerances

• Drought

Potential Problems

Generally, Datura metel exhibits no serious insect or disease problems, contributing to its low maintenance rating. However, watch carefully for soft-bodied pests that thrive in warm weather, such as whiteflies, mealybugs, and spider mites. Inspect the undersides of the leaves regularly, especially on container-grown plants. Should infestations occur, treatment with insecticidal soap is usually effective in controlling these unwelcome visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Horn-of-plenty suitable for?

Datura metel is winter hardy outdoors in USDA Zones 9 through 10, though it is commonly cultivated as an annual elsewhere.

How large does Horn-of-plenty grow?

This plant typically achieves a height of 3 to 4 feet, spreading outwards to a similar width of 3 to 4 feet, creating a sprawling silhouette.

What sun exposure does Datura metel need?

For the best flowering performance, Datura metel requires full sun exposure throughout the day.

When does Datura metel bloom?

The flowering period for this species generally runs from July until the first killing frost, presenting large blooms described as white, yellow, lilac, and purple.

Conclusion

The Datura metel, or Horn-of-plenty, offers unparalleled evening fragrance and bold tropical structure, making it a standout annual choice for summer impact. Although all parts are toxic and require careful placement, its low maintenance needs and spectacular blooms simplify summer gardening enjoyment. Before planting, confirm your local climate aligns with USDA Zones 9 or 10, or plan to overwinter container specimens indoors.

Companion Planting

When planning surroundings for your Datura metel, consider pairing it with plants that offer interest throughout the day, contrasting with the nocturnal bloom of the Horn-of-plenty. Plants with fine, airy foliage, such as ornamental grasses or certain cosmos varieties, create an excellent textural backdrop for the large, dark leaves of the Datura. Because this plant requires rich soil and consistent, medium water, choose companions that share similar cultural needs to simplify irrigation management across the planting bed.

Propagation Tips

The most reliable way to ensure you have Datura metel next season is by harvesting its distinct, thorny, spherical fruit once it has matured. Once the seeds are collected, they can be cleaned and stored in a dry, cool location until they are ready for indoor starting 6 to 8 weeks before spring planting time. While the plant is a tender perennial, successful overwintering indoors requires a bright, sunny location, often necessitating pruning back the sprawling growth significantly before bringing it inside.