About Yesterday Today Tomorrow
A slow-growing evergreen shrub with a magical trick — its flat, pansy-like flowers open deep purple (yesterday), fade to lavender (today), and turn pure white (tomorrow), creating a mesmerizing three-tone display on a single plant at the same time. Combined with its sweet, intoxicating fragrance especially strong at night, this plant delivers a multi-sensory experience unmatched by most garden shrubs. A true conversation plant that makes every Filipino garden visitor ask 'What is that?' Yesterday Today Tomorrow belongs to the Solanaceae family and originates from Brazil and South America; cultivated as an ornamental throughout the tropics..
Yesterday Today Tomorrow is a beloved conversation plant in Philippine gardens — its color-changing flowers fascinate every visitor. You'll find established specimens in older gardens in Quezon City, Alabang, and provincial estate gardens. It's available at Quezon Avenue nurseries and online plant sellers, though it's not as common as bougainvillea or ixora. Filipino gardeners especially love the fragrance, which fills the garden on warm evenings. It performs well in the Philippines' naturally humid conditions and acidic volcanic soils. Its slow growth actually works in its favor for Philippine gardens — it stays manageable without constant pruning.
Also known as: Morning Noon and Night, Kiss Me Quick.
Popular Varieties
- Brunfelsia pauciflora (standard — purple fading to white)
- Brunfelsia pauciflora 'Macrantha' (larger flowers, more intense purple)
- Brunfelsia pauciflora 'Floribunda' (more compact, prolific flowering)
- Brunfelsia grandiflora (larger overall plant with bigger flowers)
How to Plant Yesterday Today Tomorrow in the Philippines
Yesterday Today Tomorrow can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering, seeds. The recommended method is semi-hardwood stem cuttings with rooting hormone.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Take 10-15 cm semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems.
- Step 2: Remove lower leaves, leaving 3-4 leaves at the top.
- Step 3: Dip cut end in rooting hormone — important for this slow-rooting species.
- Step 4: Plant in a mix of perlite and peat moss or coco coir.
- Step 5: Keep in bright indirect light with consistent humidity. Cover with plastic to create a mini greenhouse.
- Step 6: Rooting takes 6-10 weeks — patience is key. Don't disturb cuttings during this period.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Partial shade to filtered sun (morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal; too much harsh sun bleaches the flower colors). Position your yesterday today tomorrow where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Keep soil evenly moist during the growing and flowering season. Water 2-3 times per week. Reduce slightly during the cooler dry months but don't let soil dry out completely. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 22-32°C (comfortable in Philippine lowland temperatures; performs best in slightly sheltered locations). High humidity preferred — Philippine humidity suits it well The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing yesterday today tomorrow outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Acid-loving plant fertilizer or azalea/camellia formula every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. Brunfelsia prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5). Regular balanced fertilizer (14-14-14) also works.
Pruning
Prune lightly after the main flowering flush to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Can be shaped into a compact rounded shrub. Avoid heavy pruning as it recovers slowly.
Toxicity & Safety
All parts are toxic if ingested — contains brunfelsamidine and other alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures, especially in dogs. Highly toxic to pets. Keep away from children and animals.
Common Problems & Solutions
Sparse flowering
Cause: Too much shade, insufficient feeding, or pruning at the wrong time (removing developing buds)
Solution: Ensure bright filtered light. Feed with phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Only prune after flowering, not before.
Yellowing leaves (chlorosis)
Cause: Iron deficiency from alkaline soil — Brunfelsia prefers acidic conditions
Solution: Apply chelated iron supplement. Mulch with acidic materials like pine needles or coco coir. Avoid using alkaline tap water if possible.
Leaf drop
Cause: Sudden temperature changes, cold drafts, or transplant shock
Solution: Keep in a sheltered location away from strong winds and drafts. Water consistently. New leaves typically emerge in 2-4 weeks.
Slow growth
Cause: Natural characteristic — Brunfelsia is a slow grower
Solution: This is normal. Feed regularly, maintain consistent care, and be patient. The slow growth habit actually keeps it manageable as a landscape shrub.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Yesterday Today Tomorrow in the Philippines?
Yesterday Today Tomorrow needs partial shade to filtered sun (morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal; too much harsh sun bleaches the flower colors). Water keep soil evenly moist during the growing and flowering season. water 2-3 times per week. reduce slightly during the cooler dry months but don't let soil dry out completely.. Feed with acid-loving plant fertilizer or azalea/camellia formula every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. brunfelsia prefers slightly acidic soil (ph 5.5-6.5). regular balanced fertilizer (14-14-14) also works.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 22-32°C (comfortable in Philippine lowland temperatures; performs best in slightly sheltered locations) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Yesterday Today Tomorrow?
The recommended method is semi-hardwood stem cuttings with rooting hormone. Take 10-15 cm semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems. Remove lower leaves, leaving 3-4 leaves at the top.
Is Yesterday Today Tomorrow toxic to pets or children?
All parts are toxic if ingested — contains brunfelsamidine and other alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures, especially in dogs. Highly toxic to pets. Keep away from children and animals.
Can Yesterday Today Tomorrow grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Yesterday Today Tomorrow grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Yesterday Today Tomorrow?
Common issues include: Sparse flowering (caused by too much shade, insufficient feeding, or pruning at the wrong time (removing developing buds) — ensure bright filtered light. feed with phosphorus-rich fertilizer. only prune after flowering, not before); Yellowing leaves (chlorosis) (caused by iron deficiency from alkaline soil — brunfelsia prefers acidic conditions — apply chelated iron supplement. mulch with acidic materials like pine needles or coco coir. avoid using alkaline tap water if possible); Leaf drop (caused by sudden temperature changes, cold drafts, or transplant shock — keep in a sheltered location away from strong winds and drafts. water consistently. new leaves typically emerge in 2-4 weeks).
Growing yesterday today tomorrow in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!