B. sanguinea

B. sanguinea is native to the high altitudes of the Andes (2000 - 3000 m). The only one of the angel trumpets

Flower of the B. sanguinea

its flowers are not fragrant and have intensely bright colours. This is due to the pollination of the flowers. This is carried out by hummingbirds, which have a weak sense of smell but are characterised by their perception of colours, especially the red spectrum. As can be seen in the illustration, the flower is characterised by its tubular shape, which only widens at the end. The flower edge has relatively short tips that curve backwards. The flowers are very firm due to the strongly protruding veins.

Due to its distribution at high altitudes, it is insensitive to light frosts and will produce new shoots even after a long period of frost when it has frozen back to the wood. In our latitudes, frost resistance should not be relied upon.

On the contrary, if it is too warm in our summers, bud shedding can be observed. Only at relatively constant temperatures - preferably 10 - 15 °C - can the flowers be expected to develop well.

The dispersal of the seeds has also not yet been clearly clarified. Wind dispersal, as with other Brugmansias, seems only possible to a limited extent, as the seeds are heavier than those of other Brugmansias. Animals are suspected to be seed carriers, whether birds or bats have not yet been observed.

In addition to this yellow-red colour variant, there are also unicoloured flower forms in yellow, pink or red. Regardless of the colour, however, caring for these plants is not unproblematic for beginners. Most mistakes are made by watering too frequently and too abundantly. Many plants are literally drowned.