Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow (Brunfelsia australis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Solanaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 10–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow
Brunfelsia australis, commonly known as "Småblommig brunfelsia" or Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow plant, is an ornamental evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub native to South America. It is prized for its fragrant flowers that change color, opening in deep violet, fading to lavender, and finally turning pure white over a few days. It is ideal for tropical and subtropical gardens, as a specimen plant, in pots, or as low hedges where its staggered blooming provides a continuous show.
Native range
South America, specifically Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina.
Care tips
It prefers bright indirect light or partial shade; direct sun exposure can scorch its leaves. It requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, especially during flowering and active growth periods. Use a well-draining, organically rich potting mix with a slightly acidic pH. A common mistake is failing to prune after flowering, which can reduce the number of blooms in the subsequent season.
How to save a dying Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or whitish leaves, leaf drop, lack of flowering, stunted growth. May indicate nutrient deficiency or water stress.
- First aid
- Check watering (moist but not waterlogged soil). If potted, consider repotting with rich, well-draining substrate. Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer.
- What kills it
- Prolonged drought or constant waterlogging. Does not tolerate intense cold or frost well. Lack of sun or strong direct sun without protection.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it often recovers well with proper care. It is resilient if watering, light, and nutrition issues are corrected.