The host is usually the go-to A landscape solution for shady areas. They are generally easy to care for, some varieties even tolerate deep shade. Their broad, pigmented leaves are undoubtedly attractive, but there is one plant that is often considered more colorful and valuable than the beloved hosta.
Like hostas, Brovalia (Brovalia speciosa) grows well in shade. It is a herbaceous perennial that produces beautiful, star-shaped flowers that last all the way from spring to frost. Although it is not grown for its foliage, the dark green leaves add some extra color that contrasts beautifully against the vibrant blossoms. Violet, blue or white Flowers attract hummingbirds For almost the entire growing season in your garden, while hostas only flower during the summer. While hosts are notorious for being ravaged by deer, Brovalia is considered relatively deer-resistant. Also, hostas are susceptible to some diseases, such as tobacco rattle virus, which can cause severe damage. Brovalia is generally pest- and disease-resistant, though you’ll still need to keep an eye on it. Common Garden Insectssuch as spider mites or aphids.
There are some notable Browalia varieties to choose from, depending on what your landscaping goals are. ‘Endless Illumination’ with violet blooms, and ‘Endless Flirtation’, with white flowers, have exceptional shade and heat tolerance. ‘Starlight’ is a great option if you want more compact growth, while ‘Troll’ is a gorgeous, dense variety that’s great in containers.
How to Grow Browalia in a Shade Garden
Among the many benefits of growing Browalia is how easy it is to care for. In addition to growing well in shade, it thrives in a variety of soil textures as long as the soil is well-drained. Be sure to water regularly to maintain soil moisture. You can either buy young nursery plants or start seeds about eight to 10 weeks before your area’s last spring frost. If growing in beds, space plants at least 6 to 8 inches apart.
Native to parts of South America, brovalia feels most at home in warm climates, so it’s only hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. If you are growing your flowers in containers, you can move them indoors once the temperature starts to drop. It is important to note that Brovalia is highly toxic to domestic animals when ingested. So, be sure to keep it out of the reach of curious cats and dogs, whether grown as a houseplant or garden plant.
With so many varieties to choose from, Brovalia has almost endless garden uses. The ‘Bell’ series is a trailing variety that cascades beautifully in window boxes or hanging baskets on shaded balconies. Most varieties work well to enliven garden beds; Just make sure to choose one with a mature height that fits the location you have in mind. Mix Brovalia with other shade-loving annuals, such as impatiens (Impatiens valeriana), wax begonias (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum), or wishbone flower (Torrenia fournieri).
