Maikoa (Brugmansia suaveolens)

Overview

The stunning Brugmansia suaveolens, commonly known as Maikoa, is valued by gardeners for its dramatic, heavily scented white flowers that announce their presence, particularly in the evening hours. This tropical broadleaf evergreen brings an exotic, lush feel to temperate landscapes where it is grown primarily as a summer annual or container specimen. Its huge, nodding, trumpet-shaped blooms create an unforgettable display from mid-summer until frost.

Though often maturing as a shrub reaching 5-10 feet tall in its native Brazilian climate, Brugmansia suaveolens is manageable in cultivation, often staying smaller in its first year. Gardeners delight in the strong evening fragrance, a key characteristic that draws visitors in. Whether anchored in a container or nestled into a warm border in suitable zones, this plant demands attention.

For gardeners outside its native range, treating Maikoa as an annual or providing overwintering care is essential for enjoying this magnificence year after year. Its cultural requirements lean toward rich soil, consistent moisture, and abundant sunlight to support this heavy seasonal flowering.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Solanaceae
• Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
• Native Range: Brazil
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8-10
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 3-8 ft
  • Spread: 2-4 ft
• Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Planting location is crucial for Maikoa. In Zones 8-10, situate Brugmansia suaveolens where it receives full sun, ideally in organically rich, medium-moisture, well-drained soil. For regions with freezing winters, container culture is highly recommended, allowing the plant to be brought indoors before the first frost arrives.

During the vigorous growing season—spring through fall—these plants are heavy feeders. They require regular fertilization schedules to successfully stimulate the new growth needed to support their massive flowers. Maintain medium soil moisture; do not allow plants to fully dry out, as this can stress the tropical foliage.

For overwintering in colder climates, there are two main strategies. Containers should be moved indoors to a bright, sunny location or greenhouse, kept slightly dry at about 40°F. If grown in the ground, the entire plant must be lifted in autumn after the first frost, then stored cool (around 40°F) with minimal watering until spring planting time.

Pruning mainly involves shaping the young plant and removing spent blooms during the season. This allows the plant to focus energy on producing its signature blooms late summer through fall. Be observant for pests, especially on overwintering specimens kept indoors.

Landscape Uses

The Maikoa is superbly suited for container use where its large size and spectacular blooms can be featured prominently on patios, decks, or near entryways, allowing visitors to easily experience the evening fragrance. In its acceptable hardiness zones (8-10), this plant transitions beautifully into an accent shrub, anchoring sunny borders or flanking focal points in the landscape design.

As an accent shrub, Brugmansia suaveolens acts as a dramatic vertical element throughout the summer months. Pair it with lower-growing, heat-tolerant annuals or perennials that enjoy similar sun and moisture profiles. Consider using contrasting foliage colors, such as deep purples or bright chartreuse, to make the pure white trumpets of the Maikoa truly pop as the sun sets.

When used in containers, ensure the pot is substantial, as this plant develops a significant root system quickly. This placement also makes the essential task of overwintering much simpler compared to deciduous garden beds.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Noteworthy Characteristics

Angel’s trumpet is a tropical shrub that, in the St. Louis area, typically matures to 5-10’ tall and features huge, nodding, trumpet-shaped, white flowers (to 12” long) from mid-summer to fall. Flowers emit a strong fragrance in evenings. Ovate to oblong leaves (to 8” long). In the first year, plants will typically grow to 3’ tall with minimal flowering. In the second year, plants will grow taller with more profuse flowering. Genus name honors Sebald Justin Brugmans (1763-1819) a professor of natural history at Leiden. Specific epithet means sweet-scented.

Tolerances

Potential Problems

Gardeners should remain vigilant for common tropical pests, particularly when overwintering Brugmansia suaveolens indoors. Watch carefully for common issues such as caterpillars, spider mites, and whiteflies.

Infestations are often more problematic on indoor or stressed plants. Regularly inspect the undersides of the ovate leaves, especially before bringing plants inside for winter storage. Proactive treatment using horticultural oils or insecticidal soap can prevent minor issues from becoming major infestations that damage the foliage of your Maikoa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Maikoa suitable for?

The Maikoa (Brugmansia suaveolens) is winter hardy only in USDA Zones 8 through 10 when grown outdoors year-round.

How large does Maikoa grow?

This plant typically reaches a height between 3 and 8 feet, with a corresponding spread of 2 to 4 feet, though it can grow taller as a small tree in ideal tropical conditions.

What sun exposure does Brugmansia suaveolens need?

Brugmansia suaveolens requires full sun exposure to produce abundant flowers and maintain robust growth throughout the season.

When does Maikoa bloom?

This plant acts as a seasonal bloomer, showcasing its stunning white flowers from mid-summer until the first autumn frost.

Conclusion

The dramatic size and powerful evening perfume of Maikoa (Brugmansia suaveolens) make it a sensational addition to any sunny or container garden setting where it can be enjoyed during the warm months. Successfully growing this plant hinges on providing consistent richness in soil and water, coupled with diligent frost protection if you aim for perennial enjoyment. Check your local USDA zone compatibility and plan your planting strategy early this spring.

Companion Planting

Selecting appropriate companions for Brugmansia suaveolens is key, especially in container arrangements where root competition occurs. Since the Angel’s Trumpet requires full sun, medium water, and heavy feeding, choose plants that share these high-demand cultural needs. Plants with contrasting textures, such as silvery foliage or fine, upright spikes, complement the large, tropical leaves of the Maikoa.

Look for heat-tolerant annuals like silvery Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria) or bright calibrachoa that won’t compete aggressively for nutrients if the container is large enough. In the ground in Zones 8-10, ensure companions do not shade the base of the Brugmansia suaveolens too heavily, as a fully sunlit base helps deter pests and promotes better foliage health.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Managing Brugmansia suaveolens revolves heavily around protection from cold and maximizing summer growth. In early spring, as frost risk passes, feed dormant overwintered plants with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to kickstart vegetative growth leading up to the flowering season.

Throughout the summer months, focus intensely on feeding and watering; treat it as a heavy feeder whose medium water needs must be met consistently during hot spells. Pinching back leggy new growth can encourage bushier habit development, which supports more flower stalks for your Maikoa.

In autumn, prepare for the final transition. For containers, begin hardening off before moving inside; for in-ground specimens in Zone 7 or below, plan to lift the entire root mass before the first hard frost, moving it to its cool, dark storage location (around 40°F) where watering is minimal until the cycle begins anew next spring.