Brunfelsia, often called Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, is a captivating garden addition that offers a delightful surprise throughout the seasons. Its unique feature lies in its flowers, which change colour as they age, transitioning from violet to pale lavender, and finally to pure white. With its enchanting blossoms and easy-to-maintain nature, Brunfelsia brings a touch of wonder and charm to your garden, ensuring it remains an ever-changing source of joy for years to come.
Planting Calendar
Brunfelsia can be planted from spring to autumn.
Harvest In
Flowering
After the first heavy bloom in the spring, it will produce more of its showy, fragrant flowers in the autumn or anytime during the year if it likes its location. Its flowers release its scent at night, ranging in aroma from a heady musk to a spicy clove.
Prepare
Position
Plant brunfelsia in a position where it gets some protection form the hot midday sun. To much shade and the plant may not flower well.
Soil
When planted into the ground brunfelsia prefer a free-draining slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets and Peat, then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Watering
Brunfelsia like a moist soil, when watering water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil. Never allow the soil dry oout.
Feeding
Brunfelsia likes slightly acidic soil, so feed with Azalea, Camelia fertiliser. In addition for strong healthy roots, apply monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from spring through to the end of autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
Mulching
Mulch around your brunfelsia with Peat as this will help to keep the soil acidic.
Spraying
Spraying may be needed for thrips, mites and aphid, spray with Bioneem if needed.
Pruning
Brunfelsia is a slow grower, and pruning is not essential. However, to encourage bushiness and give the mounded shrub a neater appearance, remove all the spent flowers and give the plant an overall light trim after the spring bloom.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects
Beginner Tip
Pale or yellowing of leaves is a sign of nutrient deficiency. Regular fertilising with the right fertiliser can prevent this from happening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brunfelsia commonly known as?
Brunfelsia is commonly known as "Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow" due to its flowers that change colour over three days.
How often should I water Brunfelsia?
Brunfelsia like a moist soil, when watering water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil. Never allow the soil dry oout.
Are there any pests or diseases that affect Brunfelsia?
Brunfelsia can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. It may also be susceptible to fungal diseases in humid conditions. Regular inspection and appropriate treatments can help keep these issues under control.
How do I prune Brunfelsia?
Brunfelsia is a slow grower, and pruning is not essential. However, to encourage bushiness and give the mounded shrub a neater appearance, remove all the spent flowers and give the plant an overall light trim after the spring bloom.
When does Brunfelsia bloom?
Brunfelsia typically blooms in spring and summer. The flowers start purple, fade to lavender, and then turn white.