Belladonna (Atropa bella-donna)

How much light does a Belladonna need?

Belladonna prefers full sun, which the source describes as 6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day. It also accepts part shade, where the plant gets direct sun for only part of the day. The listing for part shade gives a range of 2 to 6 hours of direct sun. That makes 2 hours a day the lowest figure on record. Pick a site with six or more hours of direct sun to match its stated preference.

• Light: Full sun and part shade (full sun preferred)¹
• Direct sun: 2 h/day¹

Best soil for a Belladonna

Soil for belladonna should be well drained and moist, the two drainage conditions on record. One source says the plant grows best in well-drained sandy loam in full sun to part shade. Soil pH is not documented for this plant, so this page gives no target range. Match the light and the soil together, since the same source pairs sandy loam with full sun to part shade.

• Soil drainage: Well drained and moist¹

Hardiness and temperature

Belladonna is listed for USDA hardiness zones 5a to 9b. That range covers ten half-zone steps, from 5a through 9b. No cited source records a minimum temperature for the plant. Humidity needs are not documented either. If you garden in zone 4 or colder, or in zone 10 or warmer, the listing does not cover your climate.

• Hardiness: Zones 5a–9b¹

How to plant a Belladonna

Plant belladonna in USDA zones 5a to 9b, the range on record. Give each plant room for a spread of 3–4 ft (0.91–1.22 m). It reaches 3–4 ft (0.91–1.22 m) in height as well. Choose a site with full sun to part shade and well-drained, moist soil. It has a moderate growth rate. No cited source gives a planting depth or a time relative to frost, so those are not documented.

• Hardiness: Zones 5a–9b¹

Winter care

Belladonna is a herbaceous perennial. It is listed for hardiness zones 5a to 9b, and the warm end of that listing is zone 9b. No cited source records a minimum temperature, so a cold limit in degrees is not documented. Mulching, covering and other winter protection steps are not documented either.

• Hardiness: Zones 5a–9b¹

How to propagate a Belladonna

Belladonna is a herbaceous perennial, and seed is the propagation method on record. No cited source describes cuttings or division for this plant. Sowing details such as timing, depth and temperature are not documented here. If you want new plants, the record points you to seed.

• Propagation: Seed¹

Common problems

Slugs are a common issue for belladonna. The pest record also names snails, tomato russet mite, silverleaf whitefly, spotted cucumber beetle, twenty-eight-spotted ladybird, thrips and fall armyworm. For disease, the record lists potato yellow dwarf virus. Treatment advice is not documented on this page.

• Common pests: slugs, snails, tomato russet mite, silverleaf whitefly, spotted cucumber beetle, twenty eight spotted ladybird, thrips and fall armyworm^1,2
• Common diseases: potato yellow dwarf virus²

Questions and answers

Is belladonna toxic to cats and dogs?

The ASPCA lists belladonna as toxic to both cats and dogs. NC State Extension also marks it as a problem for both animals. This page does not state a severity level.

How much sun does belladonna need?

Belladonna prefers full sun, meaning 6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day. It also accepts part shade, which the source describes as 2 to 6 hours of direct sun.

What color are belladonna flowers, and when do they bloom?

The flowers are listed as purple, green and red, with one source describing them as dull reddish purple with a green tinge. Blossoms run from June to September.