Brunfelsia

This may be one of the most beautiful group of plants grown in Florida landscapes, although many people are not aware of them. They grow to about 8 or 10 feet tall and are most known for their beautiful flower display. Flowers range from white to lavender. B. pauciflora and B. australis flowers emerge lavender or purple and fade to white during the next day or two. B. australis may be the best one adapted to a partially shaded location. Other species have purple flowers with white centers. In south Florida, plants fill with flowers during the warm months of the year. Flowering is restricted to the summer and fall in the northern part of its range.

Use and Management

The shrub is nicely suited for displaying by itself as a specimen or can be combined with others in a shrub border. It can be used along the foundation of a large commercial building but grows too large for planting along most house foundations. Surprisingly, flowering is acceptable in the partial shade. Selective pruning can keep the plant at any height from 4 to about 8 feet.

This plant is well adapted to a variety of well drained soils, acid or alkaline.