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Datura inoxia
thorn‑apple
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: thorn‑apple
- Height × spread: 2 to 3 ft × 3 to 6 ft (0.6 to 0.9 m × 0.9 to 1.8 m)
- Bloom window: mid summer to frost
- Color & flower form: cream to pink to lavender upright trumpet about 7 to 8 in long
- Fragrance: 3 strong
- USDA hardiness: zones 9 to 11; grown as annual elsewhere
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Forms a mounded shrub instead of a climbing vine.
- Better drought tolerance than most moon garden vines.
- Produces spiny seed pods after bloom.
- Opens in late afternoon and continues into the night in warm weather.
Strengths
- Handles heat and dry spells once established.
- Long bloom period in warm summers.
- Intense evening fragrance.
- Deer resistant foliage.
Care in one minute
Site: full sun with excellent drainage and reflected heat if possible.
Soil and pH: sandy to loamy soil; tolerates a wide pH range with good drainage.
Water: water to establish; then water deeply but infrequently.
Feeding: light feeding during peak growth.
Pinch and stake: pinch to reduce sprawl; staking can help keep flowers off the ground.
Overwintering: outside zones 9 to 11 grow as an annual or overwinter container plants indoors in bright light.
Watch‑outs
- All parts are highly toxic if ingested.
- Self seeding can occur in favorable sites.
- Can be susceptible to nightshade viruses; avoid planting next to tomatoes or potatoes.
- Poor performance in shade or wet soils.
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
The species is widely naturalized in warm regions and is often spelled Datura innoxia in references.
References
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Datura innoxia
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: Datura inoxia
- Wisconsin Horticulture: Datura
- USDA PLANTS Profile: Datura inoxia (DAIN2)
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