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Annual

Browallia

Browallia speciosa

Bush VioletAmethyst FlowerLovely BrowalliaSapphire Flower

Browallia is a tender annual with star-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, and white. Known for thriving in shade, it symbolizes tranquility, contemplation, and finding beauty in quiet places.

Plant Family

Solanaceae (Nightshade family)

Blooming

Summer through fall (June-October), continuous blooming

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Browallia bush violet flowers with star-shaped blooms and white throats
Browallia bush violet flowers with star-shaped blooms and white throats

Symbolism & Meanings

Key Meanings

Tranquility
Contemplation
Inner Peace
Quiet Beauty
Meditation
Serenity

Perfect For

Meditation gardensPeaceful spacesQuiet reflectionIndoor sanctuariesCalm environments

Color Meanings

Blue:Tranquility and peace
Purple:Meditation and spirituality
White:Pure contemplation
Violet:Deep inner wisdom

Similar flowers: nolanas and plectranthus mona lavenders also share similar meanings.

Cultural Significance

Browallia's preference for shade and its calming blue and purple flowers make it a symbol of tranquility and contemplation. It represents finding beauty and peace in quiet, overlooked places, and the value of inner reflection away from life's bright spotlight.

Botanical Information

Physical Characteristics

Flower Size: 1-2 inches diameter (2.5-5 cm), star-shaped flowers
Plant Size: 8-18 inches tall (20-45 cm), 6-12 inches wide
Flower Shape: Five-petaled star-shaped flowers with prominent white throats and tube-like base

Natural Habitat

Native to: Colombia, Peru, South America, Central America
Habitat: Shade gardens, containers, indoor plants; native to tropical regions
Climate: Warm temperate, Subtropical, Tropical

Growing Guide

Sunlight

Partial shade to full shade; can tolerate morning sun but prefers shade

Water

Consistent moisture; avoid both drought stress and waterlogged conditions

Soil

Moist, Well-drained, Fertile, Organic-rich, Slightly acidic to neutral

Expert Growing Tips

1

Excellent choice for shady areas where few flowers bloom

2

Pinch growing tips when young to encourage bushier growth

3

Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained

4

Can be grown as a houseplant in bright, indirect light

5

Self-cleaning flowers require minimal maintenance

Uses & Benefits

Ornamental Uses

  • Shade gardens and containers
  • Hanging baskets and window boxes
  • Indoor houseplants
  • Understory plantings
  • Cool greenhouse displays

Traditional Uses

  • No significant traditional medicinal uses recorded
  • Primarily valued for ornamental purposes
  • Related to plants in Solanaceae family but not used medicinally

Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Browallia

does browallia need shade?

Yes, browallia prefers partial to full shade and is one of the few flowering annuals that actually blooms better in shade than in full sun.

can browallia be grown indoors?

Yes, browallia makes an excellent houseplant when grown in bright, indirect light with consistent moisture and good air circulation.

how long do browallia flowers last?

Individual browallia flowers last several days, but the plant blooms continuously from summer through fall, providing months of color.

what does browallia symbolize?

Browallia symbolizes tranquility, contemplation, and inner peace, reflecting its preference for quiet, shaded spaces and its calming blue colors.

Available Colors

Blue
Purple
White
Violet
Lavender

Quick Facts

Type:annual
Family:Solanaceae (Nightshade family)
Native to:Colombia
Blooms:Summer through fall (June-October), continuous blooming

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