Browalia Speciosa

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Solanaceae

Order

Solanales

Genus

Browallia

Species

speciosa

Description

Browallia speciosa, also known as the Sapphire Flower, is a herbaceous plant mainly grown as an annual for its flowers (it flowers in its first year), although it is technically a perennial. It is used as a semi-trailing plant for balconies and terraces, grown in hanging baskets or planters. Flowering begins in spring and lasts throughout the summer, producing a profusion of blue-violet or blue-lavender flowers of great ornamental value.

After the first flowering, it can be pruned to encourage a second flush of blooms. In autumn, before the cold weather sets in, it can also be brought indoors, where it can extend its flowering period, although the flowers will be of a lower quality.

Curiosities and special features

Linnaeus named the botanical genus Browallia after his friend, the 18th-century naturalist Johan Browall.

Studies have been carried out on Browallia speciosa to quantify the rate of flowering in relation to the average daily air temperature.

Origin and distribution

A species native to the region stretching from Costa Rica to Peru.

Leaf

Leaf has a lanceolate lamina.

Leaf colour

A solid, bright green colour, in perfect chromatic harmony with the shade of the flowers.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.16 and 0.28 m, making it ideal for pots and planters.

Lifespan

A perennial species, but mainly grown as an annual.

Where to plant

Thanks to its well-developed growth habit and height, it is well suited as a plant for balconies, hanging baskets and pots, where it will add a unique splash of colour throughout its long flowering period.

Stem

A herbaceous plant; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, of medium size, with a dialipetal corolla. The petals have an eye and are solid in colour. It flowers from mid-spring to mid-summer, with a flowering period of between 40 and 70 days.

Growth

A plant with a rounded growth habit, perfect for creating dense, monochrome clusters in baskets or planters.

Plant habit

It has a semi-erect or semi-trailing growth habit.

Branching

The branching is moderate, giving the crown a balanced proportion and density of foliage and flowers.

PH

The ideal pH of the growing medium for Browallia speciosa is between 5.2 and 6.0.

Sun exposure

It requires a position in partial shade or dappled shade, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 14 and 20 °C during the vegetative growth and flowering periods.

Use

Due to its long and profuse flowering, it is a widely cultivated and much-loved species in:
Ornamental use

Hardiness

A plant with medium-low hardiness.

Soil

Use a good-quality peat-based growing medium, specifically designed for spring and summer ornamental plants.

Difficulty

It is moderately difficult to grow, but if you follow the correct instructions, you will achieve excellent results in terms of growth and flowering.

Growing tips

Some specific growing tips:
Plants will not flower in low light Place the plant in the brightest possible spot Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively tap water or canal water with an optimal neutral pH, either manually or via an irrigation system.

Allow the growing medium to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent both drying out and waterlogging. Check the moisture level of the compost, even manually with a finger, before watering.

In winter, avoid overhead watering.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

During the spring and summer, apply a liquid fertiliser specifically designed for ornamental plants to the growing medium, diluting it in the watering water without exceeding the recommended doses or frequency.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Tip

Care must be taken to avoid excessive light, so it should definitely be sheltered from the sun, at least during the hours when it is at its highest and hottest. It prefers well-ventilated areas but can also be kept indoors for a certain period, provided it is grown in a very bright room.