Bring Beautiful Blooms To Your Patio With A Summer Flower That Hummingbirds Love

There's something magical about seeing a hummingbird hover mid-air, wings a blur, drawn in by the perfect flower. Bringing hummingbirds to your garden has several benefits. They help with pollination and even keep the insect numbers down. If you want to see more of them this summer, bush violet (Browallia speciosa), also known as the amethyst flower, might just be the flower you want in your garden. These stunning violet-blue blooms are hummingbird favorites thanks to their tubular shape (perfect for a hummingbird's slender bill) and vibrant hue.

Bush violet generally blooms from spring through autumn and prefers partial shade. It is an ideal choice for small spaces or shaded balconies because it is compact and thrives in containers. And the best part? Since it's not invasive in the U.S., you can plant it freely without worrying about it spreading beyond your patio. 

Unlike other plants, these flowers do not require regular maintenance like deadheading, so it's a great pick if you want quick blooms without much effort. With the right care, you can enjoy bursts of violet color and a few hummingbird sightings right outside your door.

To grow a bush violet, start with a medium-sized container that has good drainage. Use a high-quality potting mix that retains moisture but still drains well. Try to place your pot where it will get morning sunlight and afternoon shade equally, because this balance mimics the plant's native tropical conditions. Bush violet thrives in USDA zones 9 to 11 but can be treated as an annual in cooler areas.

It is a must to water them regularly so the soil stays evenly moist, but avoid soaking it, and let the plant do the rest. During peak growing season, a balanced liquid fertilizer applied once a month can support more blooms. You can also easily trim the plant if it starts to grow extra stems or has an uneven appearance.

To elevate your patio corner further, consider styling your bush violet with other plants. Pair it with other shade-loving plants, like impatiens (Impatiens spp.) or coleus (Coleus scutellarioides), in the same pot. The bright foliage and contrasting textures create a lush, eye-catching look. Another great placement for these blue-purple flowers is in hanging baskets, paired with trailing vines for a layered effect. Choose containers that suit your patio style. These could be colorful ceramics, minimal neutrals, or rustic terracotta — all work well. Once you see how quickly these blooms liven up your patio (and how often hummingbirds stop by), they will soon become your favorite patio companion.