Last updated on May 20th, 2023 at 04:03 pm

Browallia speciosa, commonly known as the amethyst flower, is a tropical shrub perennial native to Central and South America. 

Amethyst flowers grow well in sandy, clay, or loamy soil at neutral to acidic pH. This plant is usually found in sunny or partly shaded areas such as open lots, pastures, and dry regions at 150-1200m (500-4000 feet).

This flowering plant produces beautiful blooms with a blue-violet shade. Star-shaped and tubular, these flowers are 5-lobed and have a white center. They measure 2 inches in diameter on average and can bloom singularly or in clusters. Their leaves are ovate and pale green. This shrub grows at 1-2 feet in height and can attain widths of up to 2 feet. 

Although the plant is botanically perennial, it is grown as a warm-weather annual and reaches full bloom in the summer-fall period.

What does the Amethyst flower symbolize?

The word “Amethyst” originated from the Greek term “Amethystos,” which means “not intoxicating; not drunken,” i.e., referring to the spiritual belief that the purple amethyst stone prevents the holder from getting drunk. 

Apart from the purple hue of the flower, this is another major correlation between the crystal and the plant—it denotes a certain degree of spirituality, wisdom, and clarity. Besides this, the amethyst flower meaning also includes an indication of admiration.

The peppy bright hue of this flower is its main attraction. For example, hummingbirds take a particular affinity to the dazzling blue of amethyst petals that stand out wonderfully amongst the green of underbrush. 

As a flower, it has connotations of clarity of mind, spiritual wisdom, and soulful admiration. The amethyst flower is a perfect foil for individuals who enjoy partaking in enriching activities such as yoga or meditation. 

This flower’s meaning is further complemented by the various colors of bloom which are very soothing to the eye.

All in all, the amethyst flowers symbolic meanings are:

  • spiritual wisdom
  • clarity
  • admiration
  • calm
  • balance
  • peace

Meaning of the Amethyst flower colors

Blue color

Sapphire browallia

The bright sapphire browallia is an attention-grabber, perfect for garden arrangements and interior décor. 

It adds a pop of color to any foliage it is placed in and adds a lively, playful aura to the space. This makes them sought-after garden flowers as well as appropriate for pot culture.

Browallia elata 

Also known as Browallia Americana, is another variant of the amethyst flowers, which also sports blue-violet petals. 

However, they are about half the size of the Browallia speciosa and are more suited to subtler settings such as display tables and teapoys.

White color

White browallia

This is optimum for sophisticated garden arrangements or monochrome settings and contributes an ambiance of freshness and tranquility. Although a calmer color, the white browallia is a brilliant, snowy flower that is touted as the perfect “flower therapy.” It is a rebloomer, and deadheading is unnecessary and low maintenance like all browallia variants.

Interesting facts about the Amethyst flower

  • The genus name of the flower, Browallia, is an ode to the Swedish theologian, physicist, and botanist Johannes Browallias, also known as John Browall. Carl Linnaeus decided on the name, today known as the Father of Modern Taxonomy, for his principles of binomial nomenclature. Carl wanted to honor his countryman, colleague, and friend, Browall.
  • The specific epithet “speciosa,” derived from Latin, has the meaning “showy” or “striking.” This is about the bright color of the amethyst flower that immediately grabs eyeballs.
  • The amethyst flower is harmless to humans but toxic to dogs and cats. If symptoms such as excessive drooling, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and slow heart rate manifest, it indicates poisoning. This could also lead to death.
  • Amethyst flower has a few other commonly used monikers, such as Bush Violet, Lovely Browallia, and Sapphire Flower.
  • If planted in an assorted arrangement with Petunia species, Ipomoea batatas (Sweet Potato Vine), or Lobularia maritima (Sweet Alyssum), the Amethyst Flower makes for a mesmerizing sight!

How to grow Amethyst flowers

Amethyst or browallia can be considered for containers, baskets, or houseplants and can be a border plant too. It is also used in mass planting or large beds. The flowers create a breathtaking visual display as a potted specimen among foliage plants or a climber cascading down a wall.

  1. If the amethyst flower is grown in a container, more regular fertilization is required depending upon watering frequency.
  2. To grow, seeds must be lightly pressed into the soil (not too deep, as they require light for germination).
  3. Keep the soil evenly moist. At an optimum temperature of around 75 degrees, seedlings should ideally emerge in 21 days.

How to take care of Amethyst flowers

  1. The amethyst flower should be in partial shade in an extremely hot climate. In cooler temperatures, it can be exposed to direct sunlight.
  2. In the case of houseplants, Amethyst Flowers should receive about 4 hours of sunlight a day. The optimum temperature for houseplants is 12-16°C (54-61°F). Temperatures extending beyond 18°C (64°F) might reduce the plant’s life.
  3. It is important to keep the soil moist, ideally allowing it to dry out at the top between watering intervals. Excessive water causes fewer flowers and broad foliage.
  4. Standard liquid fertilizer is commonly applied every couple of weeks throughout the flowering period for houseplants. However, if you start with fertile soil for gardening, only moderate applications of any low-nitrogen fertilizer are required, preferably a few times during the growing season. Too much fertilizer, like excess water, produces extra foliage and reduced bloom.

Best time to gift Amethyst flowers

As a warm-weather shrub that requires sun/partial shade, the best time for you to give someone amethyst flowers would be at the onset of summer.

The amethyst flower meaning suggests a deep sense of admiration and spirituality. This means it would be a great gifting option for individuals who resonate with these character traits.

As an ornamental, the amethyst flower is the best fit for a household that boasts a landscape garden or interior plant décor. Gifting seeds or a potted version would be an amazing addition to a home garden. 

Another benefit of considering the amethyst flower as a gift is that it allows the recipient to enjoy the beauty of full bloom in the summer-to-fall interval.

Conclusion

If you want a low-maintenance annual flower that blooms freely and for a long time in a shaded environment, you can consider browallia or amethyst flowers.

The browallia plant is not very large. While it can brighten a window sill, it appears best when mixed with other plants in a large pot or garden.

If you want to know and learn more about flowers, we at PansyMaiden can help you. Check out our fun, easy-to-read, and informative flower-related content that you will surely enjoy!