This Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ publication is part of a series originally written by Edward F. Gilman. Visit https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/ to learn more about creating and maintaining attractive landscapes that protect Florida's water resources and environment.
Introduction
Browallia (Browallia speciosa) is a warm season perennial that is generally grown as an annual. It has a rounded growth form and reaches a height and spread up to 2 feet (Figure 1). It is notable for its showy purplish-blue flowers (certain cultivars display white flowers), which bloom from spring through fall (Figure 2). The leaves are ovate and are between 2 and 4 inches long (Figure 3). Browallia is well suited for containers, planted en masse, or may be used as cut flowers. Cultivars with a variety of growth habits and flower coloration are available in the horticultural trade.
Credit: © dmehlman, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) via iNaturalist
Credit: Proven Winners
Credit: © Nolan Exe, some rights reserved (CC BY) via iNaturalist
General Information
Scientific name: Browallia speciosa
Pronunciation: bro-WAL-ee-uh spee-see-O-suh
Common name(s): Browallia, amethyst flower, bush violet
Family: Solanaceae
Plant type: tender perennial; annual
USDA hardiness zones: all zones (Figures 5 and 6)
Credit: This map is based on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Visit https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ for specific zone information.
Credit: This map is based on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Visit https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ for specific zone information.
Planting month for zone 7: Jun
Planting month for zone 8: May
Planting month for zone 9: Apr
Planting month for zones 10 and 11: Mar; Sep; Oct; Nov
Origin: not native to North America
Invasive potential: not known to be invasive
Uses: mass planting; container or above-ground planter; hanging basket; cut flowers; cascading down a wall; border; houseplant
Availability: grown in small quantities by a small number of nurseries
Description
Height: 1 to 2 feet
Spread: 1 to 2 feet
Plant habit: round
Plant density: moderate
Growth rate: moderate
Texture: medium
Foliage
Leaf arrangement: opposite/subopposite
Leaf type: simple
Leaf margin: entire
Leaf shape: ovate
Leaf venation: pinnate
Leaf type and persistence: not applicable
Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches
Leaf color: green
Fall color: not applicable
Fall characteristic: not applicable
Flower
Flower color: blue; purple; white (certain cultivars)
Flower characteristic: showy
Fruit
Fruit shape: no fruit
Fruit length: no fruit
Fruit cover: no fruit
Fruit color: not applicable
Fruit characteristic: inconspicuous and not showy
Trunk and Branches
Trunk/bark/branches: not applicable
Current year stem/twig color: green
Current year stem/twig thickness: medium
Culture
Light requirement: plant grows in partial shade
Soil tolerances: acidic; neutral; clay; sand; loam
Drought tolerance: low
Soil salt tolerances: unknown
Plant spacing: 6 to 12 inches
Other
Roots: not applicable
Winter interest: not applicable
Pest resistance: long-term health usually not affected by pests
Toxicity: this plant displays toxic characteristics if ingested; causes gastroenteric and other issues
Use and Management
Browallia does best when planted in partial shade locations. The plant may tolerate more sun in northern planting zones but may experience leaf burn when planted in too much sun in southern zones. It is highly adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, but soil should be well drained. It is important to not overwater or fertilize this plant more than necessary, as this will decrease blooming.
This plant generally has a rounded growth form, and light pruning of the new growth helps maintain this plant’s bushy appearance. This plant is a short-lived perennial in frost-free areas but will act as an annual in all other planting zones. This plant is suited for a variety of uses in the landscape including in containers and hanging baskets and as a border or mass planting in landscape beds; attracts pollinators and hummingbirds with its tubular-shaped flowers.
Cultivars and hybrids are available that have trailing growth habits, white flowers, compact growth forms, and more. Care should be taken when using this plant in the landscape as it is toxic if ingested.
Propagation is by seed.
Design Considerations
Browallia's mounding or slightly trailing habit makes it a versatile plant in the landscape. Use it as a mass planting in a shady bed to create a sea of blue or white. It also works beautifully as a "spiller" element in container gardens and hanging baskets, cascading over the edges. As a border plant, it can define the edge of a shaded walkway or garden bed.
The flowers are typically a rich amethyst-blue, violet, or pure white. These cool colors can make a shaded garden space feel more serene and visually recede, giving a sense of depth. Use the white variety to brighten up very dark corners. Pair it with other plants that thrive in similar shade and moist, well-drained soil conditions. For foliage contrast, plant it alongside the bold, colorful leaves of Caladiums or the coarse texture of holly ferns.
Pests and Diseases
No pest or disease issues of major concern.