Horned Datura Plant Care

Horned Datura (Datura ceratocaula) belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Datura genus. Horned Datura is also known as Water Trumpet.

Horned Datura displays a large, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Horned Datura produces trumpet-shaped flowers in white, yellow, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Horned Datura every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Horned Datura thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Datura ceratocaula tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Horned Datura prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, sandy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Horned Datura to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Horned Datura every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, sandy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Horned Datura is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Horned Datura can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Horned Datura while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Horned Datura is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Horned Datura can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to angel's trumpet plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Horned Datura is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Horned Datura grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Horned Datura as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.