Brunfelsia spp.
raintrees
Overview
Brunfelsia spp. is a genus of about 50 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), native to tropical America and the Caribbean. Plants reach 3–30 feet (0.9–9 m) tall depending on species, with leathery, oval leaves 2–8 inches (5–20 cm) long. The salverform flowers are 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) across, with a slender tube opening to five flat lobes, and in many species they open deep purple or violet and fade through lavender to white over two to three days, so a plant in bloom carries several colors at once. This color change gives the common name yesterday-today-and-tomorrow. Flowers of several species are fragrant, especially at night. Fruit is a fleshy or leathery berry holding several seeds. All parts, particularly the fruit and seeds, contain alkaloids that are toxic to people and animals if eaten, with dogs frequently affected. Most species are frost-tender, hardy only in USDA zones 9–11.
Native Range
Native to tropical and subtropical America, from the Caribbean and Central America through Brazil and into the Andes. Grows in moist lowland and montane forest, forest margins, and clearings from sea level to about 6,500 feet (2,000 m).Suggested Uses
Grown as flowering shrubs, container plants, and conservatory specimens in frost-free and Mediterranean climates, spaced 4–8 feet (1.2–2.4 m) apart. In cooler regions plants are kept in pots and moved under cover for winter. The toxic fruit limits use in gardens shared with pets and small children.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 30'
Width/Spread3' - 15'
Bloom Information
Main flowering comes in spring, often after a dry spell broken by rain, with scattered bloom through the warm months and nearly year-round in the tropics. Each flower lasts two to three days as it shifts color, and a flush covers the plant for 3–6 weeks. Cool temperatures and short days reduce flowering.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
purple, lavender, to whiteFoliage Description
deep greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part shade and moist, acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with regular water in the growing season and less in winter. Plants are frost-tender and damaged below about 32°F (0°C). Chlorosis appears in alkaline soil and is corrected with acidifying feed. Flowering improves after a slightly drier, cooler rest before spring. Spider mite, scale, and whitefly occur on plants grown under glass. All parts are toxic if eaten, and fallen berries are a hazard to dogs.Pruning
Prune lightly after the main spring flush to shape and to keep growth compact, since flowers form on new wood. Hard pruning in early spring renews leggy plants but delays that season's bloom. Clearing fallen fruit lowers the risk to pets and children.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons