Viola Tricolor
Contents
Description
Viola Tricolor, commonly known as Johnny Jump Up or Heartsease, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the violet family, Violaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia but has been naturalized in North America. The plant has small, delicate flowers that come in various colors, including purple, yellow, and white. It is a common addition to gardens and is often used as an ornamental plant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Violaceae |
| Genus | Viola |
Appearance
Viola Tricolor has a height of around 6-8 inches and a spread of 9-12 inches. The leaves are heart-shaped and can be green or variegated. The flowers are small, measuring around 1 inch in diameter, and have five petals that can be purple, yellow, or white. The petals have dark lines that guide pollinators to the center of the flower. The plant blooms from spring to fall and can produce flowers throughout the year in mild climates.
Care Guide
To care for Viola Tricolor, you should follow these guidelines:
Water: The plant prefers evenly moist soil and should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: Viola Tricolor prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Viola Tricolor is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be affected by the following:
Aphids: These small insects feed on the leaves and stems of the plant and can cause stunted growth and deformation. To control aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
Slugs and Snails: These pests can eat large holes in the leaves and flowers of the plant. To control them, remove any hiding places and use barriers such as copper tape or diatomaceous earth.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To control powdery mildew, remove any infected plant parts and apply a fungicide.
Habitat
Viola Tricolor is native to Europe and Asia but has been naturalized in North America. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, woodlands, and rocky areas. The plant prefers well-draining soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Viola Tricolor toxic?
A: No, Viola Tricolor is not toxic and is safe for humans and pets.
Q: Can Viola Tricolor grow in full sun?
A: Viola Tricolor prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
Q: How often should I water Viola Tricolor?
A: The plant prefers evenly moist soil and should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Viola Tricolor?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Viola Tricolor:
- Viola odorata
- Viola sororia
- Viola cornuta
- Viola hederacea
References
- “Viola Tricolor.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed June 22, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b628.
- “Viola Tricolor.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed June 22, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/17116/viola-tricolor/details.
- “Johnny Jump Up.” University of Illinois Extension. Accessed June 22, 2021. https://extension.illinois.edu/johnny-jump.
