Growing Browallia (Bush Violet): True Blue Annual for Shade and Containers

Pronunciation: bro-WAL-ee-ah

Browallia americana is a tender annual (perennial in Zones 9b–10) prized for its true-blue, 2-inch flowers with white centers. Plants form mounded bushes 24 inches tall and wide, blooming from July through September.

Ideal Uses

Excellent in containers, mixed borders, and annual beds where reliable blue color is desired.

Culture

• Light: Full sun; tolerates part sun in hot southern climates.
• Soil: Average, well-drained. Space 8 inches apart in ground; 4 inches in containers.
• Water: Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil dry out.
• Fertilizer: In containers, feed every two weeks with a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer.

For general annual care, see How to Grow Annuals.