Brunfelsia pauciflora

Sunset

Zones 12-17, 20-28

Partial

Moderate

All parts are poisonous if ingested.

Solanaceae
Deciduous, Shrubs, Semi-evergreen

Native to tropical America. Ten-foot shrubs can be held to 3 ft. with pruning. They're grown for showy clusters of white-throated, rich dark purple, tubular flowers opening to flat disks; bloom comes in spring and early summer. In all but warmest locations, loses most of foliage for a short period. These handsome plants deserve extra attention—give them rich,well-drained soil and regular feedings through the growing season. (Where soil tends to be alkaline, as in desert zones, add iron to prevent chlorosis.) Prune in spring to remove straggly growth and to shape. Performs well in containers.

Brunsfelsia pauciflora 'Floribunda', photo courtesy of Howard Rice/Garden Picture Library/Photolibrary

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'Floribunda'

Common name comes from quick color change of blossoms: they turn from purple (“yesterday”) to lavender (“today”) to white(“tomorrow”). Flowers, severalin a cluster and each openingto 2 in. wide, are borne profusely all over plant. Ovalleaves, 3–4 in. long and 1 1/2 in. wide, are dark green above,pale green below. Plant grows10 ft., but it can be held to 3 ft.by pruning. Has a rather spreading habit, with width nearly equal to height.