Brunfelsia, better known as yesterday today and tomorrow, is an evergreen flowering shrub from Brazil whose purple blooms fade to lavender and white as they age. It suits Sydney gardens as a feature shrub, informal hedge or border plant in sun to part shade, but every part of it is commonly listed as toxic to pets.
This guide covers the types, where to plant, care, pruning and problems, plus how to use brunfelsia as a hedge.
Key points
- Most brunfelsia plants grow about 1.5 to 3 m tall and 1 to 2 m wide (indicative — check the plant label), so allow space for a rounded shrub.
- They prefer morning sun or part shade and moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and they hate heavy clay and dry, windy spots.
- Maintenance is moderate: mulch, feed in spring and prune lightly after flowering to keep a compact shape.
- Watch-out: brunfelsia is commonly listed as highly toxic to dogs and other pets, so keep animals away and call your vet immediately if one chews it.
Brunfelsia at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Brunfelsia pauciflora, often sold as Brunfelsia latifolia |
| Plant type | Evergreen shrub |
| Mature size | About 1.5 to 3 m tall and 1 to 2 m wide (indicative — check the plant label) |
| Sun | Morning sun or part shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic and rich in organic matter |
| Water | Regular, especially in hot weather; mulch to hold moisture |
| Frost tolerance | Tender; frost burns new growth in the Blue Mountains and western suburbs |
| Flowering season | Mainly spring, with flushes into summer and autumn (indicative — check the plant label) |
| Native? | No, it is a South American exotic |
Brunfelsia varieties and types
Garden centres sell several forms under overlapping names, including the common spelling brunsfelsia, so check the botanical name on the label.
| Variety | Size | Best use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brunfelsia pauciflora (brunfelsia latifolia) | About 1.5 to 3 m tall (indicative — check the plant label) | Feature shrub, hedge | The classic yesterday today and tomorrow; flowers fade from purple to white |
| Brunfelsia ‘Eximia’ and compact selections | About 1 to 2 m tall (indicative — check the plant label) | Borders, pots | Smaller habit; availability varies |
| Brunfelsia australis | About 2 to 3 m tall (indicative — check the plant label) | Screen, large garden | Larger shrub with similar flower colours |
| Dwarf brunfelsia | About 0.5 to 1 m tall (indicative — check the plant label) | Low borders, pots | Check the label for exact species |
| Brunfelsia in pots | About 1 to 1.5 m tall (indicative — check the plant label) | Courtyards and entries | Needs a large pot and regular watering |
| Brunfelsia hedge planting | Trimmed to about 1.5 to 2 m (indicative — check the plant label) | Informal hedge or screen | Plant in a row and prune lightly after flowering |
Where to plant brunfelsia in Sydney
- Choose a sheltered spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, because Sydney’s hot westerlies scorch leaves and fade flowers.
- Space plants about 1 to 1.5 m apart for a hedge (indicative — check the plant label) and further apart for a feature plant.
- Avoid heavy clay in western Sydney unless you build a raised bed with compost and coarse sand for drainage.
- Sandy coastal soils on the Northern Beaches need lots of compost and mulch, because brunfelsia dislikes drying out.
- Keep it well away from dog runs, play areas and anywhere pets or children can chew the leaves, flowers or fruit.
- Plant away from drains, pipes and paving, and give it room so you do not need heavy pruning.
How to plant brunfelsia
- Plant in autumn or spring, when the soil is mild and frost is unlikely to burn new growth.
- Wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards, because all parts of the plant are commonly listed as toxic.
- Dig a hole about twice as wide as the pot and the same depth, loosening the sides.
- Mix compost through the backfill, and avoid planting too deeply, which can cause collar rot.
- Water in well with a hand-held hose fitted with an instant on-off trigger nozzle, and water before 10 am or after 4 pm.
- Mulch with a thin layer of organic mulch, keeping it clear of the stems.
- Water regularly for the first season while the roots establish.
Caring for brunfelsia
Brunfelsia rewards steady moisture and a little feeding. A plant under a Sydney verandah or tree canopy often flowers better than one in full western sun.
| Task | When | How |
|---|---|---|
| Watering | Spring to autumn | Water deeply and regularly, within Sydney Water’s Water Wise Guidelines; do not let the plant dry out in summer. |
| Feeding | Early spring | Use a slow-release fertiliser for acid-loving or flowering shrubs and follow the label exactly. |
| Mulching | Spring and autumn | Top up organic mulch to cool the roots and hold moisture. |
| Pruning | After flowering | Tip prune to shape and remove dead wood; wear gloves and keep clippings away from pets. |
| Frost protection | Winter | Cover young plants with frost cloth in cooler suburbs. |
| Pest and disease watch | Spring to autumn | Check for scale, mealybug and sooty mould; for infestations, see a pest controller. |
Using brunfelsia as a hedge: yesterday today tomorrow hedge
A yesterday today tomorrow hedge gives scent and colour, though it grows slowly and suits informal screens better than tight formal hedges.
- Plant in a single row with even spacing based on the label (indicative — check the plant label), and water well until the plants knit together.
- Prune lightly after each flush of flowers, rather than shearing hard, which removes next season’s buds.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when you trim, and rake up clippings straight away so pets cannot chew them.
- Mix brunfelsia with other shade-tolerant shrubs for variety and to avoid a single-species screen.
- Keep the hedge away from fence lines where neighbours’ pets or children can reach the foliage.
- Check your council’s rules for hedge height and tree work before you let the hedge grow tall.
Common brunfelsia problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow leaves | Alkaline soil, poor drainage or low iron | Mulch, improve drainage and use an acid-loving plant food on the label. |
| No flowers | Too much shade, heavy pruning or drought | Move to morning sun, prune lightly after flowering and water regularly. |
| Leaf drop | Frost, drought or transplant shock | Water deeply, protect from frost and avoid moving the plant. |
| Scorched leaf edges | Hot wind or afternoon sun | Add afternoon shade and mulch the roots. |
| Black sooty coating | Sap-sucking insects and mould | See a pest controller and avoid mixing sprays. |
| Wilting despite watering | Root rot in heavy soil | Improve drainage, cut back watering and replant if the roots are mushy. |
FAQ: brunfelsia questions
What is yesterday today and tomorrow?
It is the common name for brunfelsia, an evergreen shrub whose flowers open deep purple, fade to lavender and finish white, so one plant shows three colours at once. It flowers mainly in spring and suits sheltered Sydney gardens with morning sun.
Is brunfelsia a good hedge plant?
It makes a good informal hedge or screen in part shade, with scented flowers and glossy leaves. It grows slowly and needs regular moisture and light pruning after flowering. Because it is commonly listed as toxic to pets, avoid it where animals can chew it.
Can you buy brunfelsia at Bunnings?
Bunnings and local nurseries often sell brunfelsia in spring, but stock varies by store and season. Check the botanical name on the label, because the plant is sold as brunfelsia latifolia or pauciflora, and ask staff about sizes and pet safety information.
Is brunsfelia the same as brunfelsia?
Yes. Brunsfelsia is a common misspelling of brunfelsia. Search for either spelling and you will find the same shrub, also called yesterday today and tomorrow. Always check the botanical name when buying, and keep dogs and other pets away from it.
Next step: keep your garden beds in shape
If you would rather hand over the pruning and garden tidying, we can help. Sydney gardeners typically charge about $52 to $115 per hour (October 2026), and small hedge trimming costs about $69 to $205 per job. Read our types of flower overview for more ideas, or request a garden maintenance quote.
