Browallia.

At a glance

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Annual

Light

Partial shade to filtered light

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 2 to 4 days

Mature size

45 to 60 cm tall

Growth rate

fast

Hardiness

USDA 9 to 11

Bloom time

Late spring to early autumn

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root issues. Watch for wilting as a sign that the plant needs more water, and pinch back the stems to encourage a bushier habit. Ensure it stays protected from harsh afternoon sun which can scorch the foliage.

Watering

Keep the soil evenly moist to the touch.

Feeding

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.

Pruning

Pinch back tips to promote fuller growth and more blooms.

Repotting

Usually grown as an annual, so repotting is rarely needed.

Soil

Well draining, humus rich potting mix

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral

Temperature

15 to 28°C

Humidity

50 to 70%

Drought tolerance

low

Lifespan

Annual, typically 1 growing season.

Deer and rabbits

moderate

Safety

People

The plant is generally considered non toxic, but ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.

Pets

This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

While not highly toxic, it is best to keep children from chewing on the foliage to avoid potential digestive discomfort.

Contact allergens

There are no known significant skin irritants associated with this plant.

Airborne allergens

The pollen is not typically considered a major allergen for most people.

Edibility

This plant is not considered edible and should be kept away from food preparation areas.

How to identify it

• Star shaped blue or violet flowers
• Bright green ovate leaves
• Slender branching stems
• Small tubular flower base

Height

0.3 to 0.6m

Spread

0.2 to 0.4m

Leaves

green, deciduous

Flowers

blue, violet, white, 2 to 3cm

Common problems

• Aphids — Small insects that cluster on new growth and suck plant sap.
• Whiteflies — Tiny white insects that congregate on the undersides of leaves.
• Root rot — Fungal issues caused by overly wet soil conditions.

Growing it

Propagation

seed, cuttings

When to plant

spring

Overwintering

It is typically grown as an annual and will not survive freezing temperatures. You can bring it indoors to a bright window if you wish to try and overwinter it.

In containers

It performs beautifully in pots and hanging baskets, provided the container is at least 8 inches wide.

Pair this plant with others that enjoy consistent moisture and partial shade to simplify your watering routine.

Grows well with

• Impatiens — They share similar light and moisture requirements for shady spots.
• Begonia — Their contrasting textures look wonderful together in containers.

Keep away from

• Sun loving succulents — They require vastly different light and water levels.

Similar species

• Browallia speciosa — This species features larger flowers and is a popular choice for hanging baskets.

Science

Family

Solanaceae

Genus

Browallia

Order

Solanales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Tropical regions of the Americas.

Conservation

It is not currently listed as a species of conservation concern.

It grows as an understory plant in tropical forests, where it relies on dappled light and consistent moisture.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Uses

container gardening, bedding plant, hanging baskets

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?

It prefers partial shade, especially in hotter climates.

How often should I water it?

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy.

Where the name comes from

The genus honors the Swedish botanist Johan Browall, while the species name americana denotes its origin in the Americas.

Good to know

• It is a member of the nightshade family.
• The flowers are typically a beautiful shade of blue or violet.
• It thrives in partial shade, making it perfect for woodland style gardens.