Glasshouse plants

Brunfelsia pauciflora ‘Macrantha’
Yesterday, today and tomorrow

Brunfelsia pauciflora ‘Macrantha’ is a medium-sized bushy shrub of about 1-2.5m (3-8ft) that can, if need be, be kept short by pinching back. It has lanceolate to oblong glossy leaves about 7-15cm (3-6in) long and, as they are evergreen, the shrub makes a good background plant even when dormant.

The flowers are in clusters of up to 10, each about 5-8cm (2-3in) in diameter with wavy-edged petals said by some to be reminiscent of pansies. At first they are purple-violet and, as they age, change to mauve and then to white. This has given rise to the plant’s common name of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Normally, Brunfelsia pauciflora ‘Macrantha’ flowers for more than half the year, principally in spring and summer and, as a consequence, it really does earn its space in the conservatory, greenhouse or even on the patio during the summer.

Originating from Brazil and Peru, it is frost tender and a minimum of 7°C (45ºF) is advised for good flower and foliage growth.

A fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil is ideal and, for container plants, John Innes No 2 compost or its equivalent is most suitable.

In the wild, this plant grows in light woodland, so a part-shady position will encourage more flowers and avoid leaf scorch.

Avoid overwatering in winter when growth is minimal; conversely don’t let the plants dry out in the growing season at which time a monthly liquid feed is helpful.

Roy Cheek

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