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Solanaceae BUSH OUTDOOR Placement Primary: Ornamental

Yesterday Today and Tomorrow

Brunfelsia pauciflora

Identified By Marcs

Yesterday Today and Tomorrow is a popular ornamental shrub belonging to the Solanaceae family, native to the tropical forests of South America, particularly Brazil. The plant earns its common name from the striking color transformation of its flowers, which open purple, fade to lavender, and finally turn white over the course of three days. This creates a stunning multicolored effect across the bush as multiple blooms emerge at different times. Highly fragrant, the flowers bloom profusely during spring and summer, filling surrounding gardens with a sweet, enticing aroma. It thrives in warm climates, prefers rich and well-draining soils, and can be grown successfully in containers or directly in garden landscapes where frost protection is provided during colder winter months.

Also known as: Brazil raintree Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow Kiss-me-quick Brunfelsia

Toxicity & Safety

Is Yesterday Today and Tomorrow toxic to pets?

Yes, toxic to pets.

Yesterday Today and Tomorrow contains toxic alkaloids, particularly scopolamine and other related compounds, which are concentrated throughout the entire plant including leaves, flowers, and berries. Ingestion by cats, dogs, or horses can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of coordination, tremors, and in severe cases, central nervous system depression. Immediate veterinary attention is vital if any part of the plant is consumed by household pets to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Is Yesterday Today and Tomorrow toxic to humans?

Yes, toxic to humans.

All parts of the Brunfelsia pauciflora plant are considered toxic to humans due to the presence of poisonous alkaloids similar to those found in other members of the nightshade family. Accidental ingestion of leaves, flowers, or berries can cause acute poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, confusion, dilated pupils, and hallucinations. Handling the plant generally does not cause contact dermatitis, but direct consumption must be strictly avoided by children and adults alike.

Is Yesterday Today and Tomorrow safe during pregnancy?

Caution advised during pregnancy.

Due to the potent neurotoxic alkaloids present within the foliage, flowers, and fruits of the Yesterday Today and Tomorrow plant, ingestion during pregnancy poses severe risks. The toxic compounds can potentially cross biological barriers, inducing systemic toxicity, severe uterine contractions, or neurological complications that endanger both the mother and the developing fetus. Pregnant individuals should avoid handling, consuming, or coming into contact with any extracts or parts of this plant.

Growth & Dimensions

Height 150 - 300 cm
Width 150 - 250 cm
Growth Rate Moderate
Care Level Moderate
Lifespan Perennial

Ideal Environment

Temperature 10°C - 32°C
Sunlight Hours 4 - 8 hrs/day
Sun Exposure Partial shade
Soil pH 5.5 - 6.5
Watering Interval 5 - 10 days
Humidity 50.00% - 80.00%
USDA Zone 9a - 11b

Tropical and Subtropical Climates

Climate: Thrives in warm, humid environments with mild winters and protection from freezing temperatures and strong, drying winds.

Soils: Loam Sandy Loam Rich Organic Soil
Annual Rainfall: 1200 - 2500 mm

Native Regions

Bolivia
Brazil
Argentina

How to Care for Yesterday Today and Tomorrow

How should I handle watering guidelines?

Water the Yesterday Today and Tomorrow plant consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. During hot summer months, increase watering frequency to prevent drought stress. In winter, reduce watering as growth slows down, allowing the top couple of centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

How should I handle sunlight requirements?

Provide partial shade or morning sun with protection from harsh afternoon rays, which can scorch the delicate leaves and fade the blooms prematurely. In cooler regions, some direct morning sunlight encourages heavier blooming, while in tropical climates, dappled shade is ideal for maintaining lush, vibrant foliage.

How to Propagate Yesterday Today and Tomorrow

How to propagate Yesterday Today and Tomorrow by cutting?

Select semi-hardwood stem cuttings measuring approximately ten to fifteen centimeters in length during the active growing season. Remove the lower leaves from each cutting, dip the basal end into rooting hormone powder to stimulate rapid root development, and insert the cutting into a sterile medium composed of peat and perlite. Maintain high humidity by covering the container with a plastic bag or dome, place it in bright, indirect light, and keep the medium consistently moist until roots successfully establish.

Common Diseases & Pests of Yesterday Today and Tomorrow

What is Root Rot and how is it treated?

Fungal
Symptoms:

Leaves turn yellow and drop prematurely, stems become soft and discolored near the soil line, and the overall plant displays sudden wilting despite adequate or excessive soil moisture.

Treatment:

Remove the plant from the soil, trim away decayed and brown roots using sterilized pruning shears, and repot into fresh, well-draining soil mixed with perlite or coarse sand.

Prevention:

Ensure planting containers and garden beds feature excellent drainage capabilities, and never allow the plant to sit in standing water within saucers or low-lying areas.

Properties & Benefits of Yesterday Today and Tomorrow

Bears Fruit Aromatic Plant

Key Nutrients / Compounds

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