This Botanical Fact Sheet provides basic information about Yesterday Today and Tomorrow — common names, growing tips, potential dangers, and resources for more information. This plant is not native to Florida, rather it comes from Brazil. The genus name ‘Brunfelsia’ commemorates the sixteenth-century German monk, Otto Brunfels, one of the “Fathers of Botany”.
Common Names—Yesterday Today and Tomorrow, Morning-Noon-and-Night, Kiss Me Quick, Brazil Raintree, Franciscan Raintree
Latin Names—Brunfelsia species include latifolia, grandiflora and pauciflora
Plant Zones—You can grow this evergreen shrub year-round in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. If you live in a colder climate, grow this plant in a large patio container and bring it indoors during the winter. Or, it may behave more like a deciduous plant in cold weather – losing leaves at the first frost and coming back in the spring.
Plant Details
I first “discovered” this large shrub, that will grow in full sun to partial shade, at Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach, Florida. I have mine growing in my front yard where it gets early morning shade and afternoon sun. Since I live in hot and humid southeast Florida, my YT&T flowers best in the slightly cooler months of late fall to early spring (November through March or April).
The name Yesterday Today and Tomorrow refers to the appearance of the flowers, which last 3 days:
- First day = purple
- Second day = lavender
- Third day = white
Growing Tips
The plant blooms from late spring to summer but really year-round in warmer climates such as my zone 10 Florida garden. This plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and 12 feet wide and will quickly grow into a large shrub or small tree if left to grow on its own. But, regular pruning will keep it more manageable and bushy.
Yesterday Today and Tomorrow is moderately salt-tolerant, making it the perfect choice for coastal gardens. It prefers a moderate amount of water so you may have to water it regularly during drier months.
I have mine growing as a larger, single specimen plant. But, if you are trying to get this plant to grow like a shrub, rather than a small tree, space plants 3 to 4 feet apart and at least 3 feet from your house. Regular pruning and trimming lets you maintain this plant to whatever size and shape you desire.
This plant has done very well in my yard, and I usually fertilize it 3-times per year in the spring, summer and fall. Another way to increase blooms is to use an organic fertilizer such as bone meal.
Where to Find
In my area of southeast Florida, I can usually find this plant available for sale in 3-gallon containers at both of the big box Home & Garden stores (THD or L). You can also check out your local nursery centers or ask a neighbor for a cutting if they have Yesterday Today and Tomorrow growing in their yard.
To propagate this plant, take 5-inch tip cuttings from new growth in the spring and dip in rooting hormone powder. Place the cuttings in a pot filled with peat moss, perlite and a bit of sand. Cover with a clear plastic bag or empty soda bottle to create a mini-greenhouse which helps keep the cuttings moist.
Lightly water the cuttings as needed. They are ready for planting in a larger container or in your garden after about 2-weeks, or when you start to see signs of new growth and roots forming.
Precautions
Yesterday Today and Tomorrow prefers a slightly acidic soil. If the leaves look at bit pale or yellow, try adding pine needle mulch to the top of the soil.
If your plants show signs of mealy bugs or whitefly, trying using a natural remedy such as neem oil extract. Check the undersides of the leaves for aphids or spider mites, and wash off with a gentle spray of your garden hose.
NOTE: Yesterday Today and Tomorrow belongs to the Solanaceae family, the same as deadly nightshade, tobacco, tomatoes, potatoes and eggplant. Use caution when planting around animals or children, as all parts of the plant (leaves, roots, flowers, berries and seeds) are poisonous. FYI: My two indoor/outdoor cats totally ignore this plant and I have never actually seen any berries but always best to err on the side of caution.
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