How to Grow Today and Tomorrow
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Today and Tomorrow
Brunfelsia uniflora 'Today and Tomorrow'
shrubA stunning ornamental shrub known for its remarkable color-changing flowers that shift from deep purple to lavender to white over 2-3 days, giving it the poetic common name 'Today and Tomorrow.' This tropical plant produces fragrant blooms almost year-round in warm climates and makes an excellent container plant. The glossy green foliage provides an attractive backdrop for the showy flowers.
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Example Today and Tomorrow timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Today and Tomorrow
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Today and Tomorrow
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-12; can be grown indoors or in containers in cooler climates
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Get my Today and Tomorrow timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-6 weeksYoung plant with tender foliage and minimal branching. Leaves are glossy green and relatively small.
Water frequently to keep soil moist. Protect from direct sun and wind. Avoid fertilizing for first 4-6 weeks. Maintain humidity around the plant.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 monthsPlant develops bushy structure with increasing foliage coverage. Branches lengthen and new leaves emerge regularly.
Pinch back growing tips to encourage branching and fuller form. Feed monthly with balanced or slightly acidic fertilizer. Continue consistent watering and humidity.
Budding
2-4 weeksSmall purple buds form along branch terminals. Buds gradually enlarge and show deep violet coloring.
Maintain consistent moisture and humidity to support bud development. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer and increase phosphorus to support flowering. Avoid moving the plant or exposing to temperature stress.
Flowering
Several months (spring-autumn in warm climates; year-round indoors)Flowers open in deep purple, gradually fade to lavender, then white over 2-3 days. Multiple flower cycles occur throughout warm seasons. Blossoms are tubular with 5 petals and emit sweet fragrance.
Maintain consistent watering and humidity. Apply low-nitrogen, phosphorus-rich fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Remove spent flowers to encourage continued blooming.
Rest/Dormancy
2-3 monthsFlowering slows in winter months. Foliage remains green but growth rate decreases. Plant enters semi-dormant state.
Reduce watering frequency slightly. Reduce or cease fertilizing. Maintain warm temperatures (above 50°F). Prune lightly to remove dead wood and shape plant.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; mist foliage regularly. Spray with water to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Introduce parasitic wasps for biological control.
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Isolate infected plant.
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Scrape off manually with soft brush. Apply horticultural oil during dormant season. Treat with insecticidal soap.
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Ensure well-draining soil and proper watering. Do not overwater. Repot in fresh soil if roots are affected. Use fungicide if necessary.
Uses
Ornamental Flowering Shrub
HouseholdPrized as a decorative plant for its striking color-changing flowers that provide visual interest and elegance to gardens, patios, and indoor spaces. The continuous blooming habit makes it valuable for year-round ornamental appeal. [source]
Edible Flowers
CulinaryBrunfelsia flowers can be used as garnishes for gourmet dishes and desserts, adding visual appeal and a subtle tropical aesthetic to culinary presentations. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalIn South American traditional medicine, Brunfelsia species have been used for various purposes including anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting applications, though scientific validation is limited. [source]
Fresh and Dried Arrangements
CraftFlowers can be used in fresh floral arrangements and pressed flower crafts. The color-changing characteristic makes them particularly interesting for floral design and botanical art projects. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a valuable plant for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental plant grown for flowers rather than harvest. Enjoy flowers on the plant or cut flower stems (6-8 inches) for indoor arrangements. Cut in early morning when flowers have just opened. Fresh flowers will continue their color transformation in the vase.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'Today and Tomorrow' flower color change is caused by changing pH levels within the flower petals as they age—deeper purple anthocyanins convert to lighter blue and pink shades, then fade to white as the flower matures.
- 🌱 This plant is native to Brazil and other South American tropical regions, earning it the Brazilian common name 'Cravina' in some areas.
- 🌱 The flowers emit a sweet, intoxicating fragrance, particularly strong in the evening and early morning hours, making it especially attractive to nocturnal pollinators.
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