Violets are a popular and beautiful flowering plant that can be found in many backyards and gardens. There are over 500 species within the Viola genus, but most garden varieties of violet are derived from Viola odorata, also known as sweet violet or English violet.
Appearance
Violets are low-growing herbaceous plants that reach anywhere from 3 to 6 inches in height. They have round, heart-shaped leaves that emerge directly from the soil on slender stems. The leaves can be green, purple, blue or variegated depending on the variety.
One of the most distinguishing features of violets are their flowers, which bloom in spring and range in color from blue and purple to white and yellow. The blooms have five symmetrical petals and grow singly on thin stalks. The flowers are usually 1 to 1 1⁄2 inches wide when fully open.
| Flower Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Blue | Ranging from pale blue to deep royal blue |
| Purple | From light lavender to dark violet |
| White | Pure white or white with purple veins |
| Yellow | Pale lemon yellow |
The blooms are fragrant, with a light and sweet scent reminiscent of honey or vanilla. After flowering, violets produce small capsule fruits that contain tiny seeds.
Growth Habit
Most violets grow close to the ground in a low, mounding or creeping habit. However, there are some species and hybrids that have an upright growth habit.
| Growth Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Mounding | Form loosely clumping rosettes of foliage and flowers |
| Creeping | Spread along the ground with long, horizontal stems |
| Upright | Grow more vertically with shorter stems |
Violets spread readily through underground rhizomes and aboveground runners known as stolons. This makes them excellent ground cover plants for shaded areas.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Violets thrive best in the cool temperatures and indirect sunlight of spring and fall. They can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but need afternoon shade in hotter zones. Violets prefer rich, moist soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline. They flourish under the filtered light of deciduous trees and shrubs.
Here are the optimal growing conditions for violets:
| Factor | Preferences |
|---|---|
| Sunlight | Partial sun to part shade |
| Temperature | Daytime 65-75°F (18-24°C); Nighttime 50-65°F (10-18°C) |
| Soil | Moist, humus-rich, well-draining; pH 6.5-7.5 |
| Water | Moderate, keep evenly moist but not waterlogged |
Violets thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 9, depending on the variety. They can bloom from early spring to summer and again in fall in mild winter climates. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowering.
Uses in the Landscape
Violets are versatile plants that make lovely additions to flower beds, rock gardens, and container gardens. The low, spreading growth habit also makes them ideal as ground covers in shady spots. Here are some ways to use violets in the landscape:
– Ground cover under trees/shrubs
– Edging plant along paths and walkways
– Mixed containers and hanging baskets
– Rock gardens and alpine planters
– Naturalizing in wooded areas
– Herb gardens
– Pollinator gardens for bees and butterflies
Culinary and Medicinal Uses
Beyond their ornamental qualities, violets are edible and have uses both in the kitchen and for herbal remedies.
The flowers and leaves are edible. They have a mildly sweet flavor and are often candied or used to decorate desserts and salads. Violet flowers can also be used to make syrups, teas and cocktails.
Medicinally, violets have been used traditionally to treat ailments like headaches, insomnia and skin conditions. Certain chemical compounds in the plant have anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antioxidant properties. However, pregnant women should avoid consuming violets in large amounts.
Conclusion
With their delicate flowers in an array of colors and their lush, spreading foliage, violets offer multi-dimensional appeal in gardens. They thrive in shaded spots where other plants struggle and provide a carpet of natural beauty. Beyond their ornamental qualities, violets are also edible and have a long history of medicinal uses. With the right growing conditions, these versatile plants will continue to flower and spread to create an idyllic spring landscape.
