Brunfelsia (aka Y,T&T): In Zone 9a (77062) How FAST Will This Grow During Growing Seasons?

Question

I live in zone 9a(?) on far S.E.Houston, TX (Clear Lake City actually, near NASA JSC, not far from Galveston). I’m trying to decide what to plant directly under my large-sized Crape Myrtle that will grow to 35 ft tall eventually, but is only about 15 ft currently). I already have a Brunfelsia in a large pot (see first photo) with some side shoots that popped up several years ago so am considering it an option to transplant two of these on both sides of tree. It would also be planted next to Cuban Gold Mounding Durantas on each side of tree, but am concerned that it might get too big too fast, requiring regular heavy trimming to keep them to a more reasonable size, similar to that of the Durantas. How FAST is Brunfelsia likely to grow in this location with filtered sun/shade during morn to early afternoon, then hot SW sun early to late afternoon, then shade in late evening, underneath and near this tree and Duranta in a raised bed planting? BTW, first 4 photos were from 2021 and this past summer, but last photo was taken a few minutes ago around 1:15pm central, so the area is pretty shady in that one. Thanks! Also, does Brunfelsia produce underground runners that pop-up to grow or does it only/mainly grow from seeds? After some number of years my large, wide pot has about 5 shoots around the perimeter and I don’t know which of these two options is correct since I’ve never removed any as of yet. Haven’t been able to find that info online so far either. Thank you again!

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Answer 1

They are moderate growers. It could be that suckers grew from the roots or they grew from seed. Be sure not to plant anything too close to the crape myrtle. These articles should help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/yesterday-today-tomorrow/yesterday-today-tomorrow-plant.htm
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP077