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This colorful, hanging-basket or container-garden plant gains in popularity every year – mainly because it will produce its heavenly blue flowers in profusion in either full sun or light shade. It is actually a tender perennial, usually treated as an annual, with trailing stems that branch readily.

Browallias are easy to grow from seed. Plant them in July for winter-flowering plants indoors, in February for summer bloom. For most lavish effect, plant four or five seedlings in a six-inch pot or basket, and pinch growing tips at least three times to encourage branching. Or set the young plants at the edge of a window box or other outdoor container, about three or four inches apart.

Light, medium-rich soil and temperatures above 60∞ are the simple cultural requirements. At the end of either winter or summer flowering season, root stem cuttings for a fresh display. Several varieties offer a selection of flower sizes and colors.

Browallia americana – Compact grower with small blue-and-white flowers.

Browallia elata grandiflora – Large flowers, mixed blue and white.

Browallia speciosa major – Favorite large-flowering variety with two-inch blooms of glowing gentian blue.

Browallia viscosa – Small deep-blue flowers with sparkling white eye. The named variety, ‘Sapphire,’ is extra-dwarf.

Family: Solanaceae
Common Name: Amethyst Flower