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Viola is the botanical name for a group of low-growing, cool-weather and shade-tolerant perennials which include different species of Violets and Pansies. Gardeners primarily use Pansies as edging plants, in containers and to fill in annual flower beds while Violets usually reside comfortably in less formal woodland or rock gardens. Some of these plants are treated as annuals for a powerful splash of color during autumn in temperate areas, winter in tropical places and during summer in northern climes. Most of these plants spread by runners and others self-sow.
Viola Blanda, the Sweet White Violet, is a perennial found growing wild in forests in the eastern part of the United States and Canada. These bloom in early spring and as the name implies has a sweet fragrance. The white flowers have pale violet veining. It only grow 2-3 inches high and can easily be missed under dried autumn leaves until in bloom. They sparkle in the woods like tiny, sweet-scented diamonds. They prefer a shady spot with a rich loamy soil. They like regular water and spread by runners.
Viola Wittrockiana or Tricolor Hortensis is the official name for Pansy which prefers full sun but in does quite well in semi-shade. These have extremely showy flowers 2-4 inches wide in a huge array of colors, some bi-colors, some striped and some with blotches. Plants grow 8 inches high with bright green leaves. If deadheaded or sheared back throughout the growing season they should continue to produce blossoms continuously. Most retain their color rather well when dried by pressing in books.
Viola Tricolor, is the cute, little favorite we all know as Johnny-Jump-Ups. These grow from 6-12 inches tall with oval, bright green leaves and abundant deep purple and yellow flowers much smaller than Pansies but very similar in shape. A prolific self sower, once planted you may never be rid of it but as they are rather cheery no one truly complains. These take as well to sun as they do in shade.
Viola Palmata, the Early Blue Violet, is also found growing in eastern U.S. woods. This one grows to 8 inches high and their violet blue flowers have a white center. These don’t spread as quickly as others.
Viola Pedata, also a native to eastern United States, gets its common name, Bird’s Foot Violet from the divided leaves which look like a bird’s foot. Flowers blooming in early spring to early summer are an inch wide with the plant reaching up to 4 inches tall. The flowers come in violet blue with darker veining giving it a nice two-tone effect. This one grows in clumps and prefers an acidic, well draining soil and dapple to deep shade.
Viola Odorata, is the famous Sweet Violet spoken of in poems and songs. Depending on variety the fragrant flowers come in deep violet, white, pink or bluish rose and all have dark green, heart shaped leaves usually with a serrated edge. They can become an aggressive plant in mild winter areas but the shearing back of its long runners can curbs its wandering ways and also help it to bloom more prolific the following spring. Some cultivars grow as little as 2 inches high with the tallest coming in at 8-10 inches. They like cool winters and mild summers. They prefer dappled shade but can take full sun in cooler summer areas.
The Viola makes a nice carpet around spring blooming shrubs such as Mountain Laurel, Andromeda, Azalea and Rhododendron and can provide a much needed burst of color in annual beds as the weather cools and when many annuals give up. Perhaps you can find a spot in your garden for the Viola.
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Author Bio Box: Glory Lennon
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