How to Grow Amethyst Flower (Browallia Speciosa)

Also called star flower or sapphire flower, amethyst flower is one of the few colorful annuals (blooms for one year, then dies) that does well in shade. It does best in light shade, growing 12 to 18 inches tall in a neat mound and producing charming star-like flowers in blue, violet or white.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Compost Makers
• Fertilizers
• Garden Spades
• Garden Trowels
• Mulch
• Plants
• Sphagnum Peat Moss
• Watering Cans

1. Look for amethyst flower at nurseries nationwide. It grows well in Zones 2-11 of the U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

2. Choose a variety of amethyst flower. Several are available, but 'Blue Troll' is one of the most popular.

3. Plant amethyst flower 8 to 10 inches apart in well-drained soil after the last frost date in your area.

4. Prepare the bed by working in a little compost or sphagnum peat moss.

5. Mulch with dried grass clippings, pine needles, wood chips or another organic material.

6. Keep moist. If desired, fertilize once every four to six weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer.

7. Pinch off spent blooms to direct growth into strong roots.

8. Deal with any problems promptly. Whiteflies are a common pest. If they strike, spray with an insecticidal soap as directed on the package.

9. Pull out the plant after the first frost.

Tips & Warnings

• Cross amethyst flower off your list if you live in a very arid region. It needs plenty of moisture.

• Amethyst flower makes a good short-lived houseplant. At summer's end, dig up a few plants, place in pots, and bring indoors to enjoy for several more weeks.

• Although amethyst flower does well in nearly all parts of the country, if you have very cool, short summers, it may not flower.