Brunfelsia pauciflora

Brunfelsia pauciflora

The most commonly seen species of this plant seems to be the glossy-foliaged Brunfelsia australis (though the naming is a bit hard to verify: it may be Brunfelsia latifolia!). Originating in Brazil, Brunfelsia pauciflora (ht 1-1.5 m) is a less well-known species. It seems to bloom later in our climate, around November, and has darker, duller leaves and a more open, rangy habit than Brunfelsia australis. The flowers are also a little larger than those of Brunfelsia australis/latifolia, but they too open a rich purple hue then fade to mauve and white.

Brunfelsia pauciflora Macrantha

Brunfelsia pauciflora Macrantha

In general, I think Brunfelsia australis is a more robust and impressive plant and doesn't have the self-seeding/suckering issues that can happen with Brunfelsia pauciflora. In the end, I removed my plant because of these issues. I haven't had these problems so far with the cultivar of Brunfelsia pauciflora called 'Macrantha' (ht 2 m), pictured at left, which has bigger leaves and larger flowers, appearing in September and October, and I think it is a superior shrub to the species.

Brunfelsia pauciflora enjoys sunny sites, but will also do well in dappled or partial shade. It dislike frosts. It should be pruned back lightly after flowering to promote a dense shape. Propagation is by soft-tip cuttings taken from late spring to early autumn, or from self-sown seedlings that may appear.

Belonging to the Solanaceae plant family, Brunfelsia specimens have berries which are potentially toxic to dogs, and all parts of the plant are toxic.