Violets are a popular flower known for their delicate purple color. But is it possible for violets to be pink? The short answer is yes, there are some varieties of violets that produce pink flowers instead of the usual purple. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at pink violets, how they get their unique color, some common species, and how to grow them yourself.
What Causes Pink Violets?
Violets, like many other flowers, get their colors from plant pigments called anthocyanins. The most common anthocyanins in purple violets are peonidin and cyanidin, which together create that familiar bluish-purple hue. Pink violets, on the other hand, get their color primarily from pelargonidin – an anthocyanin that produces orange and pink shades.
So what causes some violets to produce pelargonidin instead of peonidin and cyanidin? It mainly comes down to genetics. Some violet varieties naturally carry genes that code for pelargonidin production in the flowers instead of other pigments. Through selective breeding over the years, florists and horticulturists have developed violet cultivars that reliably yield pink blooms.
Natural Occurrences of Pink Violets
While the majority of pink violets today are commercially grown varieties, there are a few examples of naturally occurring pink violets in the wild:
Viola pallens – Also known as the pale violet, this delicate wildflower is native to certain regions in Europe. Its light pink flowers appear in early spring.
Viola priceana – Endemic to the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States, this threatened species sprouts flowers that range from very pale pink to lavender in color.
Viola labradorica – Found in Greenland, Canada, and parts of Alaska, the Labrador violet produces flowers in various shades of purple, lavender, and pink.
So pink violets do occasionally occur naturally, but they are relatively rare. Most of the pink violets available today are hybrids and cultivars created by breeders.
Popular Pink Violet Varieties
Many beautiful hybrids and cultivars of pink violets have been developed. Here are some of the most popular types:
Pink Chiffon – Pale and delicate pink blooms that appear in abundance on this variety. It has ruffled, double-petaled flowers.
Raspberry Ice – Named for its cool raspberry pink hue. This cultivar is a floriferous bloomer.
Pink Blush – Subtly blushed pink flowers with a touch of lavender. It has large single blossoms.
Candy Floss – Plump double flowers in a soft baby pink shade. It has a compact, mounding form.
Pink Profusion – Prolific with clusters of small pink single blooms. Good heat tolerance.
| Variety | Flower Color | Flower Form |
|---|---|---|
| Pink Chiffon | Pale pink | Ruffled, double |
| Raspberry Ice | Raspberry pink | Single |
| Pink Blush | Blushed pink | Single |
| Candy Floss | Baby pink | Double |
| Pink Profusion | Soft pink | Single |
Growing Pink Violets
If you’d like to grow pink violets yourself, here are some tips:
Light – Violets thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid hot direct sunlight, which can burn the foliage. East or west-facing windows are ideal.
Soil – Use a loose, well-draining soil mix with plenty of organic matter. Soilless potting mixes specially formulated for African violets are recommended.
Water – Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Take care not to overwater, as soggy soil can quickly rot the roots.
Temperature – Violets grow best at temperatures between 65-75°F during the day and 60-65°F at night. Keep away from cold drafts.
Fertilizer – Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Look for a formula specially made for African violets.
Pruning – Snip off spent blooms and any yellow or damaged leaves to encourage new growth.
Pots – Plant in pots with drainage holes, using porous African violet mix. Plastic pots help retain moisture better than terracotta or ceramic.
With the right care, pink violet varieties will reward you with abundant delicate blooms in shades from soft pink to vivid raspberry pink. They make beautiful potted plants for windowsills and desks.
Conclusion
While purple is the most common color for violets, pink varieties certainly exist both in the wild and as commercially grown hybrids. Pink violets get their distinctive color from the anthocyanin pigment pelargonidin. Breeders have selectively cultivated many gorgeous pink violet varieties over the years with colorful names like Raspberry Ice, Candy Floss, and Pink Profusion. With bright indirect light, proper soil, attentive watering and fertilizing, pink violets can thrive as attractive houseplants with prolific blooms. So if you’re looking to add a pop of pink to your garden, give pink violets a try!
