Pricklyburr (Datura inoxia)
Striking Datura inoxia, or Pricklyburr, offers showy, fragrant trumpet flowers blooming from July until frost in full sun.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Pricklyburr, scientifically known as Datura inoxia, provides dramatic visual interest through its large, sweet-scented, trumpet-shaped blooms that illuminate the evening garden. A sprawling, tender perennial often grown as an annual in cooler climates, this species is valued for its continuous flowering display from mid-summer until the first frost. Its striking flowers and pronounced nocturnal fragrance make Datura inoxia a memorable addition to hot summer landscapes.
This plant naturally develops into a shrubby form, spreading wider than it grows tall, requiring ample space to sprawl naturally or a bit of support for upright growth. Despite its low maintenance needs once established, gardeners must remember that all parts of this nightshade family member are extremely toxic. When sited correctly in full sun, the Pricklyburr rewards the gardener with minimal effort.
The distinctive lifecycle, where flowers open dramatically in the evening and fade by midday, adds a unique rhythm to the garden. If you are seeking a bold, heat-tolerant specimen plant, Datura inoxia delivers both imposing foliage and intensely fragrant nocturnal beauty.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Solanaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Central America, Texas, Colombia
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 3-6 ft
- Bloom Time: July to frost
- Bloom Description: Cream to pink to lavender
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For optimal growth, plant Datura inoxia outside only after all danger of frost has passed, typically when starting from nursery purchases or indoor-started seedlings. In warmer zones (9-10), this plant may survive winter, but treat it as an annual elsewhere. The ground location should feature rich, humusy, well-drained loam, capitalizing on the plant’s preference for consistent moisture during the active growing season.
Water needs are moderate; ensure consistent moisture, especially when grown in containers or during periods of intense summer heat, though the mature plant exhibits good drought tolerance. Space plants roughly 3 feet apart, acknowledging their tendency to sprawl; support or staking may be necessary if a more upright presentation is desired. Deadheading is not required to encourage repeat blooming.
If growing Pricklyburr as an annual, utilize the end of the season to harvest ripe, spiny seeds for starting indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost the following year. Container specimens can offer overwintering opportunities; cut back the foliage and bring the pots indoors to a sunny window to maintain them until spring replanting.
Landscape Uses
The height and wide spread of Datura inoxia make it an excellent choice for specimen planting, drawing immediate attention in the landscape. Its sprawling habit works well at the borders of wide beds where it can cascade slightly over retaining walls or pathways. Containers are highly recommended, as they allow gardeners in cooler climates to easily move the fragrant Pricklyburr indoors for winter protection.
Placing containers or grouping plants near patios or seating areas is essential to fully appreciate the powerful, sweet fragrance emitted by the night-blooming trumpets. While its toxicity means caution is necessary, planting it slightly away from pathways where small children or pets frequently touch foliage is wise.
Consider companion planting with fast-growing summer annuals that fill in the space below the sprawling Pricklyburr during its early growth phase. The contrast between the deep green, downy leaves of Datura inoxia and brightly colored bedding plants can create stunning, temporary summer displays.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Datura inoxia commonly called angel’s trumpet, is native to Mexico and Central America, developing into a shrubby, sprawling, short-lived perennial often grown as an annual. Its single or double, upward-facing trumpets possess an intensely overpowering fragrance, with blooms lasting only from evening until noon the next day before being replaced intermittently through the season. The resulting fruit is a downy, spherical capsule covered in stiff spines, contributing to its descriptor, downy thorn apple.
Tolerances
- Drought
Potential Problems
Serious insect or disease issues are uncommon for Datura inoxia. However, persistent monitoring for common greenhouse pests is warranted, particularly if plants are overcrowded or stressed indoors during overwintering. Be vigilant for infestations of whiteflies, mealy bugs, and spider mites. If problems arise, minor localized outbreaks can often be managed using insecticidal soap rather than broad-spectrum chemical treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Pricklyburr suitable for?
Pricklyburr, or Datura inoxia, is winter hardy only in USDA Zones 9 through 10, requiring it to be treated as a tender annual in colder regions.
How large does Datura inoxia grow?
Mature plants typically reach a height of 2 to 3 feet, but they sprawl considerably, often spreading 3 to 6 feet wide.
When does Datura inoxia bloom?
This species begins blooming in July and continues its intermittent flowering display until the first frost arrives.
What sun exposure does Pricklyburr need?
Datura inoxia requires full sun exposure to achieve its best growth habit and most prolific blooming performance.
Conclusion
The Pricklyburr offers spectacular, albeit fleeting, fragrant blossoms throughout the summer months, making it a worthy annual planting in most gardens. By respecting its need for full sun and ensuring well-drained soil, gardeners can enjoy this specimen plant with relatively low maintenance effort. Always confirm local frost dates before planting out your Datura inoxia for a successful season.
Companion Planting
Choosing suitable companions for Datura inoxia focuses on plants that share its need for full sun and medium water but offer complementary growth habits. Consider pairing it with lower-growing, heat-loving annuals like Zinnias or shorter varieties of Petunias. These companions will help cover the soil beneath the spreading base of the Pricklyburr, especially in early summer before it reaches its full, sprawling size.
Since Datura inoxia commands attention with its unique structure and fragrance, use upright companions to enhance vertical lines without competing for visual dominance. Tall ornamental grasses or structural plants like Cannas, placed slightly behind the Pricklyburr when viewed from a common vantage point, can soften the edges of the bed while complementing the bold foliage.
Container Growing Guide
Growing Datura inoxia in containers is an excellent strategy, particularly for gardeners outside Zones 9-10, facilitating easy overwintering. Use large pots—at least 15-20 gallons for a mature specimen—to provide ample root room for this aggressive spreader. The soil mix should prioritize drainage; amending a good quality potting mix with extra perlite or coarse sand ensures the rich, well-drained loam it prefers.
When potted, container plants may require slightly more vigilance regarding water than those planted in the ground, as potting mix dries out faster, despite the plant’s general drought tolerance. Fertilize regularly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting, supplemented by a liquid feed every few weeks during peak bloom time to support the continuous flower production of Datura inoxia.
