Ballerina Datura Purple

Datura, commonly known as Devil's Trumpet, is a genus of flowering plants known for their large, trumpet-shaped flowers and striking appearance. The cultivar 'Ballerina Purple' (also known as Datura metel 'Ballerina Purple') is particularly notable for its double or triple-layered, deep purple to lavender flowers with white edges. These blooms are highly fragrant, especially in the evening, and attract pollinators like moths. The plant also has dark green, lobed leaves that contrast beautifully with the flowers.

Plant Characteristics:

- Flower Color: Deep purple to lavender with white edges

- Foliage: Dark green, lobed leaves

- Growth Habit: Upright, bushy annual or tender perennial

Native Range:

Datura species are native to North and South America, Africa, and Asia, thriving in warm climates. Datura metel, the species that 'Ballerina Purple' belongs to, is native to Asia but has been widely cultivated and naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions.

USDA Hardiness Zones:

- Best suited for zones 9-11 as a perennial. In cooler zones, it is typically grown as an annual.

Height and Width:

- Height: 2-4 feet (60-120 cm)

- Width: 2-3 feet (60-90 cm)

Light Requirements:

- Prefers full sun to partial shade. For optimal blooming, ensure the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Soil Requirements:

- Thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels (6.0-7.0).

- While it can tolerate poorer soils, adding compost or organic matter can help improve growth and flowering.

Watering:

- Datura needs regular watering, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

- Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, which can be a problem in heavy, clay soils.

Temperature and Humidity:

- Prefers warm temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). It does not tolerate frost and should be protected or brought indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

- Tolerates average humidity levels but performs best in environments that are not excessively humid.

Fertilization:

- Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.

- Alternatively, use a liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.

Pruning and Maintenance:

- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season.

- Prune back any leggy or damaged growth to maintain a bushy, compact shape.

- In frost-prone areas, treat Datura as an annual, or bring it indoors before the first frost for overwintering.

Propagation:

- Can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown indoors in early spring or directly outdoors after the last frost.

- Softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer can also root successfully.

Caution:

- All parts of the Datura plant are highly toxic if ingested. Handle with care, wear gloves when pruning or handling, and keep away from children and pets.

 Uses

- Ornamental Gardens: Ideal for adding dramatic, tropical flair to garden beds, borders, and containers. Its large, showy flowers and lush foliage make it a standout feature in any sunny spot.

- Night Gardens: Due to its fragrant blooms that release their scent in the evening, Datura 'Ballerina Purple' is perfect for moon gardens or areas where you can enjoy its fragrance at night.

- Containers: Suitable for growing in large pots or containers, allowing for easy mobility and overwintering in cooler climates.

- Pollinator Gardens: Attracts moths and other nocturnal pollinators, making it a good addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

By providing the right conditions and care, Ballerina Datura 'Purple' can thrive and offer its stunning, fragrant blooms throughout the growing season, adding a touch of exotic beauty to any garden space.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

California: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Juglans spp. (Walnut), Pinus spp. (Pine), Quercus spp. (Oak)  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. (Cherry, Peach, Plum). Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Cornus spp. (Dogwood), Quercus spp. (Oak), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)  

Georgia: Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry)  

Hawaii: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Idaho: Humulus lupulus (Hops), Mentha spp. (Mint), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Indiana: Fragraria spp. (Strawberry), Rosa spp. (Rose)  

Kansas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Michigan: Abies spp. (Fir), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry)  

Montana: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Nevada: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

New Jersey: Rosa spp. (Rose)  

New York: Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Oregon: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Quercus spp. (Oak), Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry), Ulmus spp. (Elm), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Texas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Washington: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Wisconsin: Abies spp. (Fir), Pinus spp. (Pine), Picea spp. (Spruce), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.