Brugmansia, a form of Datura has a prominent place in a witch’s garden. Some say it induces visions. Others say madness. Both are correct.
But at night, the blooms, which live for only that night put off an intoxicating scent. It’s the one intoxicant put off by Angel Trumpets that you can safely enjoy.
This is a new Brugmansia to the Witch’s Garden this year, a Purple People Eater variety. I picked it up from Spring Hill Nurseries. I don’t recommend them, unless you can’t find this plant anywhere else. Worst customer service experience I’ve encountered in a while. Poor even by standards in the Covid era.
Blowing back at the Angel Trumpets – Brugmansia, are Devil Trumpets, also Datura. Around here it’s called Jimson Weed and grows wild. The blooms are smaller than a Brugmansia, but more plentiful. And also intoxicating at night.
This is a volunteer plant, springing up in the same container that grew Night Scented Stock. For some reason, this Datura is producing violet blooms. Perhaps to compete with the Purple People Eater?
Anise Hyssop is neither Anise nor Hyssop. Instead it’s a plant native to north America which resembles both. It’s proven to be the hardiest of the new plants I’ve tried this year, growing in bushy clumps about three foot tall, with violet blooms spiking out the top, which butterflies and bees utterly love.
To the native Americans it was magic, with medicinal properties. I haven’t researched that much yet, but I’ve found it makes a tasty addition to a glass of ginger beer and absinthe.
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