Wikimedia Commons
Solanaceae
Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow
Brunfelsia australis
Transformation and the passage of time.
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Genus
- Brunfelsia
- Native to
- Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Type
- shrub
- Height
- 3-8 ft
- Sunlight
- part shade to full sun
- Soil
- rich, moist, well-drained, acidic
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 9-11
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- The common name refers to how each flower changes from deep purple ('yesterday') to lavender ('today') to white ('tomorrow') over three days.
- The color change occurs because anthocyanin pigments break down as the flower ages, revealing the white base color.
- The genus is named after Otto Brunfels, a 16th-century German botanist considered one of the fathers of modern botany.
- All parts of the plant are toxic, containing the alkaloid brunfelsamidine, which can cause neurological symptoms in pets.
- On a single bush, flowers at different stages create a stunning multi-tonal effect of purple, lavender, and white simultaneously.
Color meanings
0
transformation
1
passage of time
2
contemplation