Our Price: $9.50
Medicinal
Deer Resistant
Aroma
Container
Native
RareWith its showy blooms and captivating fragrance, Datura 'Purple Ballerina' is a showstopper and a must for ornamental plant enthusiasts. The Grower's Exchange proudly offers this stunning plant to gardeners looking for a beautiful and unique addition to their gardens.
Also known as Datura metal Purple Ballerina, it is a striking ornamental plant in the nightshade family Solanaceae. It is prized for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers, which add a touch of exotic beauty to gardens.
While it is a joy to grow, it's important to note that all parts of the purple Datura plant are highly toxic. It should be handled with extreme caution and kept away from pets and children, as it can be fatal when ingested.
Datura 'Purple Ballerina' is a robust plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide. Its most striking feature is its large, double or triple-layered flowers that can reach up to 8 inches long.
These flowers resemble a ballerina's tutu in full extension. Additionally, the upward-facing nature of purple Datura flowers evokes the image of a ballerina gracefully reaching upwards.
Datura 'Purple Ballerina' flowers are deep purple on the outside and a lighter shade toward the center, creating a stunning contrast. The plant's foliage is equally attractive, with broad, dark green leaves with a slightly serrated edge and a smooth texture. The plant blooms from summer to fall.
As mentioned, Datura ballerina purple flowers have a pleasant fragrance. The scent can be described as being very sweet, almost honey-like, and intoxicating.
Another interesting characteristic of this plant is that it is a vespertine bloomer. This means its flowers open late in the afternoon or early in the evening and close again in the morning.
Datura is native to warm, temperate, and subtropical regions worldwide, with a particular prevalence in Central and South America. The 'Purple Ballerina' variety is a cultivated form bred for its unique and showy flowers.
Historically, Datura species have been used in various cultural and medicinal contexts, though it is important to note that these uses come with significant risks due to the plant's toxicity. Today, Datura 'Purple Ballerina' is primarily grown for its ornamental value.
Growing Datura 'Purple Ballerina' can be a rewarding experience for gardeners who appreciate its exotic beauty and are mindful of its care requirements. Here are some essential tips for cultivating healthy 'Ballerina Purple' Datura plants.
Light: This plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. While Datura' Purple Ballerina' can grow in shady areas, not getting enough sun can cause it to produce fewer blooms.
Temperature: Perennial for zones 9-10
Soil: Datura 'Purple Ballerina' prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Choose a location with good air circulation to help prevent fungal diseases.
Planting: Space the plants about 2-3 feet apart to allow for their mature size.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilizing: Datura benefits from regular feeding. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer formulated for flowering plants every few weeks during the growing season.
Pruning: Prune Datura 'Purple Ballerina' to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Otherwise, it might look leggy. Remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming. In colder climates, prune the plant back in the fall and mulch heavily to protect the roots over winter.
Pest and Disease Management: Datura 'Purple Ballerina' is relatively resistant to pests, but it can occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Treat any infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Ornamental Value: Datura 'Purple Ballerina' is primarily used as a striking ornamental plant. Its large, dramatic flowers and lush foliage make it a focal point in gardens. It can be planted in garden beds, borders, or large containers.
Pollinator Attraction: The large, fragrant flowers of Datura 'Purple Ballerina' attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and, since it blooms in the evening, moths. This can help support the overall health of your garden ecosystem.
Fragrance: Besides their visual appeal, the Datura 'Purple Ballerina' flowers have a pleasant fragrance, especially in the evening. In fact, just a single plant can perfume an entire garden! This plant is the perfect addition to a sensory or night garden.
Educational: Growing purple datura can be an educational experience, providing insights into the care and characteristics of tropical ornamental plants. It also offers an opportunity to learn about plant toxicity and safe gardening practices.
Datura 'Purple Ballerina' is a captivating plant with dramatic flowers, attractive foliage, and a pleasant fragrance. While growing and handling it requires caution due to its toxicity, the rewards of growing this beautiful plant are well worth the effort.
With proper care and attention, Datura 'Purple Ballerina' can become a standout feature in your garden, providing beauty and enjoyment throughout the growing season. Purchase yours now from The Growers Exchange and experience the convenience of doorstep-delivered plants.
