The Color-Changing Shrub That's Perfect For Morning Sun And Afternoon Shade

There are plenty of outstanding plants that benefit from spots in your garden that receive morning sun and afternoon shade, as well as numerous species of pretty plants that thrive without direct sunlight in your yard. But, what about a charming shrub that likes these conditions and also has a color-changing habit? It goes by the unusual name of yesterday–today–and–tomorrow, and while you might think this is rather a weird name for such a pretty plant, the reasoning behind the name is actually quite apt. You see, this plant (Brunfelsia pauciflora) has delightful blooms that change color as they mature. So, yesterday, a single bloom started as deep purple, today it will be a much lighter lavender, and tomorrow, you might be surprised that the flower is now white. This means that throughout the long flowering season, your shrub will be constantly adorned with fragrant blooms of different colors.

Yesterday–today–and–tomorrow is an attractive shrub that can grow 5 feet tall and up to 4 feet wide, but can be kept more compact with a regular trim, if you wish. As a native to Brazil, It can only be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11 because it's frost-tender. Keep in mind that this plant is part of the nightshade family, which means that all parts are toxic, especially the berries. For this reason, you want to be sure to keep children and pets well away from it.

If you live in a warmer region, you can grow this interesting plant outdoors and pair it with other perfect plants to grow if you live in a tropical environment. Position it in an area that gets warm morning sunshine but cooling shade in the afternoon. It prefers a rich soil that's slightly on the acidic side. Keep your plant watered during dry spells but make sure any excess can drain away freely. It's recommended that you prune your Brunfelsia regularly to maintain a nice shape. This should also help to promote more blooms, as these occur on new growth.

If you find that your climate is too cold to keep this plant alive in the garden, you can grow it in a container, instead. You'll find that this is one of the best winter plants to decorate your patio with for a glorious pop of color, as long as there's plenty of protection from freezing temperatures. Otherwise, you can bring your plant indoors over the winter. Place the pot near a sunny window so that it gets lovely warmth in the morning. You'll find that it will continue to flower, even when brought into the house. Over winter, your Brunfelsia may go dormant, so you can cut back on the watering a little.