Violets are beautiful and versatile flowers that grow well in the wild. They have been associated with many different admirable qualities such as love, faith, and chastity, and they are also the flower of the month of February. There are a lot of things about violets that most people would be surprised to learn. This little flower hides many wonders beneath the heart-shaped petals!
February, in addition to being the month of violets, is also the month of love and creativity. So let's delve into the world of this herbaceous little flower and see what secrets violets have to tell us!
Violets Are Not Always Violet
Despite the name, violets actually come in many different colors. While the purple and blue ones tend to steal the spotlight, they also come in yellow, white, and orange, and many of them have a second color in the middle. What unites all of these flowers is family: all violet species are from the family Violaceae.
African Violets Are Not Violets
Saintpaulia, the plant commonly known as African violet, is from the family Gesneriaceae. This means it is not actually a violet, but it looks very similar. Since violets do not grow very well indoors, saintpaulia is often used instead. Pansies, however, are a type of violet, as are between 525 and 600 other species.
Violets Have Been Around a While
Since they grow prolifically in temperate zones, violets have been collected for various uses since the ancient Greeks. Since they are edible, they were eaten, fermented, and used in medicine, in addition to worn or used to decorate. Since they are rich in vitamins and have soothing anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, herbalists throughout history used them to nourish and heal.
Where to Find Violets
Violets can be grown in any temperate zone, but this huge family has a wide array of personalities. Some violets grow well in cool climates, while others need a little warmth to thrive. Some species violets thrive in damp, while others crave loose soil, and still others hide underground. They all seem to prefer shade and moderate temperatures, but each species has different needs.
The Wild Violet
Violets can be found all over the United States, and a few species can be found in Europe. They bloom from spring to early summer in well-saturated or freely draining soil, but in the right conditions can last as long as early fall. Since they spread almost invasively, they can be found in the same areas and may even spread, but as a perennial, they only last for the season of their blooming.
Gardening With Violets
Although violets are wildflowers, they can still be cultivated and tamed for your garden. This is a relatively simple matter of keeping them from spreading and watching out for natural predators that consume parts of the plant. Most violets want to be in the moist, shady part of your garden, but they can also be nurtured in containers.
Decorating With Violets
As we stated above, violets have the ability to thrive in the wild as well as in gardens! Our favorite place to admire them is in the comfort of our own homes or offices. Violets have the ability to be comforting and uplifting in any environment, in any season! Planted and potted in a ceramic pot or wooden planter, these little plants bring a real sense of style and personality into any room. Whether planted alone or accompanied by complimenting green foliage, violets' vibrant colored petals and textures radiate blessing the room with radiating positivity making this the perfect addition to any decor! Whether you are placing your new violet planter on your kitchen counter, on your desk in your office, or maybe on the end table in your living room, it is sure to be adored and recognized by all who see! Here are our favorites to jazz up your home or office decor:
Country Violet Planter ,
Rustic Violet Planter,
African Violet Surprise, and
Violet Garden. Four US states - Wisconsin, Rhode Island, Illinois, and New Jersey - claim violets as their state flower, and with so many ways violets can enhance one's life, it is no wonder. Whether thrown in a salad, mixed into a soothing balm, or simply grown to enjoy their beauty, violets add much to our lives, whether we realize it or not. With so many species of violets to choose from, you are sure to find some that will bring their essence into your home or garden!
