Brunfelsia - Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow

A hardy evergreen plant Brunfelsia will masses of violet and white flowers in early summer are a varied group with a number of names.

Commonly called Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow as well as 'Kiss me Quick, the botanical name is Brunfelsia bonodora (syn. B. australis, B. latifolia) and within the group they vary from plants that will grow from 1.5 - 4m depending on cultivar and growing conditions. A compact form is also available.

Plant Description

These evergreen shrubs are originally from South America and they do prefer warmer climates. Glossy to dull green foliage and with a growth habit that is variable from upright to rounded in some of the smaller growing or dwarf cultivars.

The flowers are interesting in that they appear to be both violet and white on the one plant. However all new flowers are violet shades and they fade to white over a week or so. Flowers have a slight fragrance.

So why the name Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow ? Simply the flowers change color over a few days from violet to white.

Although Brunsfelsia will grow well as far south as Melbourne it is in the warmer climates of Sydney to Brisbane and further north that they thrive.

Care

In warmer climates a well drained soil and sun is all that is required, in cooler areas they do need protection from frosts and cold winds. They can be deciduous in cold winters.

Moisture during hot summer periods is essential and a good general purpose fertilizer in early spring seems sufficient. Mulch lightly to help maintain moisture.

Pruning is often not required on these slow growing plants, however they can be tip pruned to maintain a more bushy habit if required.

Summary

• Sunny position
  
• Well drained moist soil - slightly acidic
  
• Flowering period in early summer
  
• Fertilize in spring
  
• Tip prune to maintain shape
  
• Plants are poisonous

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