There is still time to enjoy one of the garden’s most spectacular late-summer performers, but gardeners will need to be quick. September is datura flowering time in Rye, and its magnificent trumpet-shaped blooms can provide a memorable finale to the summer display.
Few flowers make quite such an impression. Large, elegant and often wonderfully fragrant, datura blooms can appear in shades of white, cream, pink and purple. Some varieties open towards evening, adding another dimension to their appeal as the light fades and the garden takes on its autumn character.
The drawback is that this floral extravaganza is remarkably short-lived. Individual flowers may last only a short time, meaning that the plant’s finest display can come and go before you know it. This fleeting flowering period is precisely what makes a mature datura so special in September.
For the best possible display, an optimum care policy is important. Give datura a warm, sheltered and sunny position, together with fertile, well-drained soil. Plants in containers will need particular attention, as they can dry out quickly. Regular watering, combined with suitable feeding during the growing season, will help support strong growth and encourage the production of flowers.
As autumn approaches, however, gardeners should remember that datura demands respect as well as admiration. All parts of the plant are poisonous if swallowed, so it should be positioned where children and pets cannot reach it. Gloves are advisable when handling the plant, and its leaves, flowers and seeds should never be consumed or used as home remedies.
For those who can provide the right conditions, datura offers a spectacular reward. Its September blooms may be fleeting, but their beauty makes every moment worthwhile. In a garden increasingly turning towards autumn, this extraordinary plant can provide one final, unforgettable flourish.
Image Credits: Jane Conlin .