The Sapphire flower AKA Bush Violet or Amethyst flower (Browallia speciosa) is a charming low maintenance annual flower that is great for adding a touch of blue to your garden.
These warm season annuals, can readily be grown in USDA hardiness zones nine to eleven.
They can reach up to two feet (60 cm) in height. They should spread out to about 12 inches (30 cm).
Sapphire flowers prefer to grow in an area that has full sun to partial shade, and the soil should be moist, have good drainage, and be rich in organic matter.
They are often planted alongside other annuals to create a colorful and vibrant garden. Sapphire flowers bloom lavishly and add color throughout the summer.
Sapphire flowers Growing Overview
Although actually a woody perennial, Sapphire flowers are usually treated as an annual by gardeners. The plant is native to South America.
They belong to the seven strong Browallia plant genus, and are a member of the nightshades (Solanaceae) family, making them closely related to potatoes, tomato plants, and Petunia.
They are usually grown as an ornamental plant, and can readily be started indoors and grown in containers in cooler areas.
They also look attractive when used in hanging baskets.
Light: Sapphire flowers prefer full sun. Although, they will readily tolerate partial shade, their blooms will be better if they get plenty of sunlight.
Soil: It is important to have a soil that has good drainage. The soil should be rich, with plenty of organic matter. Although tolerant of many pH levels, best results occur when using a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0).
Sowing (warm areas): Sow thinly in February into a potting tray and cover with plastic. Germination should occur after two or three weeks at about 60 to 71°F (15 to 22°C). Delay sowing for autumn blooming.
Growing Sapphire Flowers (cooler areas): In cooler climates, sow seeds indoors or in a greenhouse about nine or ten weeks in advance of the last frost of spring.
Water requirements: Sapphire flowers requires a moist soil, so regular watering is essential. This is especially true during the hot and dry months of summer months. Do not overwater, as this can lead to root rot (should not be an issue if you use a well-drained soil).
Spacing: Plants should be spaced at about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) apart.
Fertilization: Feed an occasional application of a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning requirements: Pinch buds to encourage branching. Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooms to develop.
Companion planting Tips: Sapphire flowers can look great when grown alongside Petunia hybrida and Marigolds.
Pest and diseases: Sapphire flowers are relatively pest and disease resistant, but be on the lookout for fungal diseases in humid areas.
Growing Indoors in Containers: Plants can be cut back and repotted into a container, in the autumn, well before a chance of any frost.
Bring indoors to a bright and warm area and there is a good chance you will be rewarded with a winter bloom.
Further Reading and References
Missouri Botanical Garden – Browallia speciosa Plant Finder: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287207
North Carolina Extension: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/browallia-speciosa/
Cornell University – Browallia Annual Flower & Houseplant Growing Guide: http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scene3b12.html
To sum up, Sapphire flowers make for a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that can add a touch of blue to the garden.
Start off indoors in cooler areas, and grow outdoors in the summer in a container or a hanging basket.
I hope you have enjoyed this Quick Sapphire Flowers Growing Guide, you may also enjoy my information on How to grow Physalis, Trumpet Flower, and Nolana Plant in your garden.
