Watch one cluster of blooms closely, and you’ll see flowers in deep purple, soft lavender, and pure white all at once—three colours, three days, one captivating shrub. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, known in Afrikaans as Verbleikblom (“bleaching flower”), is a semi-evergreen to evergreen shrub with a rounded, bushy habit of elliptical, leathery leaves with a glossy, waxy sheen. From spring through summer (and often sporadically into autumn), it produces clusters of showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that open rich, deep violet-purple, fade to soft lavender on the second day, and finally turn pure white before falling. The blooms are delightfully fragrant, releasing a sweet, spicy scent that intensifies in the warmth of the afternoon and evening.
Native to the subtropical forests of Brazil, this enchanting shrub has become a beloved heirloom in South African gardens. In the Western Cape, it thrives in full sun to partial shade—morning sun with afternoon protection is ideal, especially in hotter inland gardens. It demands rich, well-drained, fertile soil kept consistently moist, as it dislikes drying out or waterlogged conditions. It’s sensitive to moderate to severe frost, so it’s best suited to mild coastal areas or warm, sheltered courtyards. Reaching 2–3.5m tall and 2–3m wide, it’s perfect for specimen planting, mixed borders, informal hedges, or as a fragrant, romantic accent in a large container on a sheltered patio.
Key Features:
- Remarkable colour-changing blooms: purple, lavender, and white all at once—a captivating display from spring through summer
- Sweet, spicy fragrance that intensifies in the warmth of afternoon and evening
- Glossy, leathery dark green leaves provide a handsome year-round backdrop
- Nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects
Gardening Note: Plant in a sheltered position with morning sun and afternoon shade in rich, well-drained, fertile soil kept consistently moist. Water regularly, especially during dry summer spells, but avoid waterlogging. Apply organic mulch to retain moisture. Feed in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser. Sensitive to severe frost; in colder inland areas, plant in a warm, sheltered spot or grow in a large movable container. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
