Brunfelsia spp: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, Brunfelsia

This Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ publication is part of a series originally written by Edward F. Gilman. Visit https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu to learn more about creating and maintaining attractive landscapes that protect Florida's water resources and environment.

Introduction

Brunfelsia is a genus of around 50 species of plants that belong to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Plants in this family contain toxic compounds (see “Other” section). Brunfelsia species are native to South America, and the most common species cultivated and sold are B. grandiflora, B. pauciflora, and B. australis. These species differ in their growth dimensions, flower sizes, and cold hardiness. B. australis is larger and more cold hardy than other species, B. pauciflora has a smaller shrub-like growth habit, and B. grandiflora is a medium size species with large flowers. Brunfelsia americana is a species often found at specialty nurseries. Other species are available in the horticultural trade.

Brunfelsia is an evergreen shrub with a dense, upright growth habit (Figure 1). It grows to about 8 or 10 feet tall (varies depending upon species selection) and is best known for its beautiful flower display. Brunfelsia is also called ‘yesterday, today, and tomorrow’ because the fragrant flowers gradually change color each day the flower is open. The color begins as a deep violet, followed by pale lavender, and finally turns white before falling. This color change is caused by a degradation of pigments within the petals (Figure 2). This plant blooms from spring through summer, so flowers in each color stage may be seen on the plant. In south Florida, plants fill with flowers during the warm months of the year. Flowering is restricted to the summer and fall in the northern part of its range. The large ovate evergreen leaves persist throughout the year (Figure 3). Fruits are green, round, and contain toxic compounds (Figure 4).

Brunfelsia is well suited to a variety of uses in the landscape including in a specimen or accent, used as a foundation plant or planted in mass, or used as a screen or standard. The evergreen leaves and ornamentally interesting, fragrant flowers bring added interest to the landscape. This plant attracts pollinators and is resistant to browsing by deer or rabbits.

General Information

Scientific name: Brunfelsia spp.

Pronunciation: brun-FELZ-ee-uh species

Common name(s): yesterday, today, and tomorrow; Brunfelsia; raintree; lady of the night; kiss-me-quick

Family: Solanaceae

Plant type: shrub

USDA hardiness zones: 9B through 11B (Figures 5 and 6)

Planting month for zone 9: year-round

Planting month for zones 10 and 11: year-round

Origin: not native to North America

Invasive potential: not known to be invasive

Uses: specimen; accent; border; foundation; mass planting; screen; trained as a standard

Availability: grown in small quantities by a small number of nurseries

Description

Height: 7 to 10 feet, dependent upon species selection

Spread: 5 to 8 feet, dependent upon species selection

Plant habit: upright

Plant density: dense

Growth rate: moderate

Texture: medium

Use and Management

Brunfelsia is adaptable to a variety of site conditions. This plant performs best when planted in partial shade but may tolerate full sun in certain locations. Soil should be well drained and high in organic matter. This plant may require pruning to maintain a height around 8 feet. Care should be taken when locating this plant in the landscape, as it exhibits medium toxic characteristics.

Propagation is via stem cuttings taken during spring or summer.

Design Considerations

Brunfelsia is a flowering showstopper, prized for its fragrant blossoms that transition from deep violet to lavender and finally to white. Its captivating display makes it a superb choice as a standalone specimen plant, an informal screen, or a centerpiece in a mixed shrub border where its bloom cycle can be fully appreciated. For a layered underplanting that hides occasionally bare lower stems, use the fine textures of macho fern and the strappy leaves of variegated liriope or flax lily. To highlight its dark green foliage, add the bold, striped leaves of variegated ginger. White-flowering companions such as gardenias or pentas echo the final stage of their bloom, while the sky-blue flowers of plumbago provide a cool counterpoint to the purple blossoms.

Pests and Diseases

No pests or diseases of major concern.