intransitive verb
Definition 1
Of people or of things other than plants, grow vigorously, thrive, prosper, be successful.
Source: Concise Oxford Dictionary
Context: Failing also to find favour with Philip, he [El Greco] settled in Toledo to produce works for monasteries and private devotion, soon in such demand that a factory of assistants flourished.
Source: Financial Times 02/04/2010 (Jackie Wullschlager)
Definition 2
Of plants, grow strongly.
Source: Invertext
Context: Thanks to the gulf stream, winter temperatures rarely fall below 4°C, and sub-tropical trees and plants flourish.
Source: Financial Times 19/07/2008 (Eluned Price)