How can I grow and care for Brunfelsia pauciflora 'magnifica'?

Answer

Brunfelsia pauciflora 'Magnifica' is a cultivar of one of about 50 species of Brunfelsia in the Solanaceae (deadly nightshade) family native to South America and a few other locations. They are, therefore, tropical plants and cannot be grown outdoors in the northeast. They can be grown outside in the extreme south and California coastal US (USDA zones 9 - 11).

B. pauciflora  is known by many common names - yesterday-today-and-tomorrow, morning-noon-and-night, kiss me quick, and Brazil raintree. The first two names refer to the observation that the flowers change color over time. (They open deep purple, fade to lavender the next day and finally to white.) It also has a number of synonyms including Brunfelsia calycina, Brunfelsia pauciflora var. calycina, and Franciscea pauciflora. 

Outdoors, Brunfelsia can be grown in a sunny or partially shaded location. It should be watered during hot spells. Slightly acidic, rich soil is preferred. Pruning to encourage branching will result in more blooms.

Indoors, Brunfelsia, can be grown in a soil-based, potting mix in a sunny location. Moving the plant outdoors to a partially shaded location during the summer months will result in greater flower production. Pinching off growing tips during the flowering season will produce a bushier plant with more flowers. Keep the plant cooler and water more sparingly in the winter. 

 

Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service

 

 

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  • Last Updated Feb 02, 2021
  • Views 2425
  • Answered By Anita Finkle

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