Brunfelsia americana
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Brunfelsia americana

Lady-of-the-night · Franciscan raintree · Rain shrub · Trumpet Flower · Lady of the night

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: partial_sun Toxicity: high
Water every
7 days
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
Click count
62
Observations
83

Description

Source: leafsnap

Brunfelsia americana, commonly known as Lady of the Night or Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow, is a flowering shrub native to South America. Belonging to the Solanaceae family, it can grow up to 6 feet tall. This plant is particularly noted for its fragrant flowers that change color as they age, transforming from purple or blue to white over several days. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped. Brunfelsia americana prefers well-draining soil and regular watering but can tolerate periods of drought. It flourishes in full sun but can also grow in partial shade. Due to its striking flowers and pleasant fragrance, the plant is popular for ornamental purposes. In traditional medicine, Brunfelsia americana has been used for its sedative properties and as a treatment for anxiety disorders, attributed to the alkaloids present in its leaves and stems. Overall, Brunfelsia americana is an attractive shrub with fragrant, color-changing flowers, making it a valuable addition to any garden or landscape design. Additionally, it has potential medicinal benefits when used appropriately under medical supervision.

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days

American brunfelsia thrives in tropical regions where there is consistent moisture. It prefers to be watered regularly, ideally with deep watering once a week. While it can tolerate short dry spells, it thrives best when kept slightly moist. As an evergreen plant, it benefits from rainwater, which aligns with its natural requirement for high humidity.

Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
☀️ Light Partial sun

The American brunfelsia naturally occurs in habitats such as forest understories and rocky areas, where it grows under natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate both full sun and full shade, showing its hardy and adaptable nature.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

American brunfelsia comes from tropical areas, where the climate is generally warm and humid. As a result, it is well suited to high temperatures and humidity. It is sensitive to sudden temperature changes and prefers consistent temperatures, so it is important to avoid temperature fluctuations indoors. It typically cannot tolerate cold and needs relatively high temperatures to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize an American brunfelsia is in early spring, as it breaks dormancy. This supports overall growth and the development of flowers. Fertilizing improves the foliage, stems, and branches, while encouraging flowers that are large, vivid, and long-lasting. It helps transport nutrients from the roots to the blooms and boosts the plant’s health and resistance to disease.

🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years

Repot your American Brunfelsia every 2-3 years in the spring to promote healthy growth. Choose a slightly larger pot with well-draining soil and drainage holes. After repotting, place the plant in indirect light and maintain consistent moisture levels. Be careful not to overwater, as this can help the plant recover and thrive. Keep in mind that the American Brunfelsia may be sensitive during this period.

Suggested frequency: 2-3 years
✂️ Pruning

American Brunfelsia showcases fragrant flowers ranging from white to purple. For optimal growth and health, prune the plant between early and late winter. This helps shape the plant, invigorates new growth, and removes dead or overcrowded branches to improve air circulation. Pruning during dormancy reduces stress and encourages more abundant blooming. Consistent maintenance also helps with size control and overall plant health.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Brunfelsia
Family
Solanaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
61 cm
Mature Spread
61 cm
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Forest Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
3.05 cm to 5.08 cm
Bloom Time
All year round
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
All year round
Native Area
Cuba, Venezuela

Tags (10)

Common Names (7)

en Lady-of-the-night
en Franciscan raintree
en Rain shrub
en Trumpet Flower
en Lady of the night
en American brunfelsia
en Jamaican raintree