Family: Solanaceae
Common names: Yesterday today and tomorrow, Morning noon and night, Lady of the night, Brunfelsia, Kiss me quick, Brazil raintree
I saw this plant when I went to a resort in Bangalore with my friends. Having seen descriptions of it earlier, I was fascinated by how the flower changed colors. There is a flower called Hibiscus mutabilis or Cotton rose which blooms white and then changes to light pink and then dark pink. So I assumed this plant also bloomed white.
But on researching, I figured that it’s the opposite, the flowers bloom deep purple, then changes to light purple and then white, as if it gets bleached by the sun. The more plants you see and read about, the more fascinated you are, by the variety, the uniqueness and the beauty of these lovely creations.
The Yesterday today and tomorrow plant originally comes from Brazil and other parts of South America. It grows naturally in warm, humid, tropical and subtropical climates where winters are mild and frost is rare.
Plant Characteristics
Yesterday today and tomorrow plant is an evergreen shrub that usually grows between 1.5 and 3 meters tall, flowering profusely during winter. It has a bushy, rounded shape with many woody stems growing from the base.
The bark on older stems becomes slightly rough and grayish-brown, while younger stems are smooth and green. Its root system is fairly shallow and spreading, which makes it suitable for garden beds but not ideal for very windy, exposed spots.
The leaves are simple, smooth, and dark green with a slightly glossy surface and an elongated tip. Each leaf is usually about 8 to 15 centimeters long and 3 to 6 centimeters wide. They grow alternately along the stems and stay on the plant year-round in warm climates, giving it a full, leafy look.
Flowers are what makes the Yesterday, today, and tomorrow plant very fascinating. The blooms are about 4 to 6 centimeters across and appear in clusters at the ends of branches. What makes them special is their color change.
The flowers open deep purple or violet on the first day, turn lavender the next day, and then fade to white on the third day. Because flowers at different stages appear together, the plant shows three colors at once, making the plant very attractive indeed.
After flowering, small round fruits may form. These are berry-like, about 1 to 1.5 centimeters wide, and turn yellowish when ripe. They are not usually showy and should not be eaten, as all parts of the plant are considered toxic if ingested.
Gardening Tips
Yesterday today and tomorrow plant grows best in partial shade to filtered sunlight. It can handle some morning sun, but strong afternoon sun may scorch the leaves, especially in very hot climates.
In cooler regions, it can tolerate more direct sunlight. It prefers a warm environment and should be protected from frost, as cold temperatures can damage the leaves and stems.
The soil should be rich, well-draining, and slightly acidic if possible. Adding compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting helps improve growth and flowering.
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the growing season, but avoid waterlogging. The plant does not like to sit in soggy soil.
Regular watering is important, particularly in dry periods. A layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture and keeps the roots cool.
Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer like vermicompost or animal manure in early spring and again in mid-summer to encourage healthy leaves and more blooms.
Light pruning after flowering helps maintain a neat shape and encourages bushier growth. Remove dead or weak branches as needed. Watch for common pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, especially in warm, dry conditions. These can usually be managed with insecticidal soap or a strong spray of water.
Uses of Yesterday, today and tomorrow plant
Yesterday today and tomorrow plant is mainly grown as an ornamental shrub because of its unusual color-changing flowers.
It is often planted near patios, entrances, or windows where its shifting colors can be enjoyed up close. It also works well as a hedge or informal screen in warm climates. Planting many of these plants in a flowerbed can make your garden look very pretty, and attractive to pollinators.
In tropical and subtropical gardens, it adds color during its blooming season, which often happens in late winter to spring, with occasional flowering at other times of the year. Its dense growth also provides shelter for small birds and insects.
All parts of the plant are toxic and should not be consumed by humans or pets. This is a very common feature of the potato and tomato family of Solanaceae, though some of these plants also give us our regular everyday veggies!
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings, and air layering.
Cuttings taken in late spring or early summer root well in moist, well-draining soil, while seeds can be sown in warm conditions, though they may take longer to germinate.
Air layering involves choosing a healthy stem and removing a small ring of bark about 2 to 3 centimeters wide from around it. This exposed area is then covered with moist sphagnum moss or compost, and wrapped tightly with plastic to hold the moisture in place.
After a few weeks, roots will start to grow inside the moss. Once a good number of roots have formed, the branch is cut just below the rooted section and planted in soil as a new plant.
Photographed at: Angsana resorts, Bangalore
