Iochroma 'Pretty In Pink'

2-3" long, medium pink, slightly flaring tubular flowers are produced in large hanging clusters designed for hummingbird pollination. An unusual color in Iochromas, Pretty in Pink is a prolific flowering selection on a vigorous growing upright to spreading, naturally evergreen tropical shrub. This miniature cousin of the Angel's Trumpet is easily enjoyed as a container plant where not hardy. Provide good drainage and fertile, average moist soil in partial to filtered sun for the best results. Iochroma, Tubeflower, or Mini Angel's Trumpets flower on new growth so keep them growing and healthy for and endless display. This beautiful Angel's Trumpet-like plant can easily be pruned after flowering to promote fullness but stems allowed to grow into their natural form seem to be the sturdiest in the long term if you want a taller plant which may be better suited for visiting hummingbirds. Periodic tipping after a flowering cycle has completed is best for plants that you want to keep short and full and will help to promote new stem production from the root zone on healthy, well established plants. Establish Iochroma plants in the ground in spring once the soil temperatures have begun to warm and fully past all danger of frost. In mild winter regions, like zone 9B-11, Iochromas may become deciduous during the cold short days of winter if temperatures remain below 40 °F for extended periods. They freeze back at 32 °F and may return in spring where winters are warm and mild. Providing a warm, sunny, protected exposure and a breathable insulative mulch may help established Iochromas survive colder winters to return in spring in zones 8B-9A, but there can be no guarantee. We received 'Pretty In Pink' Iochroma as shared cuttings from Meg Green a top horticulturist at UGA and Harriet Green a longtime friend and Louisiana Master Gardener.