Free Browallia Speciosa Plants

The pretty dark blue or violet flowers ofthe Browallia provide a very attractive display which can last for several weeks, possibly throughout the summer. To prolong the flowering period as much as possible, the plant should be kept at the cooler end of the temperature range; too high a temperature will reduce the flowering period considerably. The growth may need some support to promote a bushy habit, although the natural tendency of the Browallia is to semi-trail. If it becomes loose and untidy, the plant is perhaps best grown in a hanging pot or basket. The Browallia is best treated as an annual, to be discarded after flowering.

Plant type : Flowering plant with bushy, semi-trailing habit
Season of interest : Summer
Size : 45-60cm (18—24in)
Flower : Five-petalled, 4-5cm (1.5-2in) wide, dark blue
Leaf : Pointed oval, 5-6cm (2-2.5in), green
Temperature : 13-16°C (55—61 °F)
Aspect/Light : Well-lit situation with exposure to sunlight
Humidity : Moderate
Watering : Evenly moisten compost throughout year, allowing to dry a little before re¬watering
Feeding : Once every two weeks with flowering plant fertilizer from early summer until flowering finishes
Propagation : Sow seeds in seed and cutting compost at 18-20°C (65—68°F) in early to mid spring
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : Aphid
Availability : Occasionally available in the spring and early summer
Uses indoors : Good windowsill plant for virtually any bright window, including bedrooms; also suitable for hanging pot or basket
Other varieties : B.s. -'Silver Bells’ -white flowers, B. viscosa 'Alba' - compact; white flowers, B.v. 'Sapphire' - compact; blue flowers