Viola Bakeri

Description

Viola Bakeri, commonly known as Baker’s Violet, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Violaceae family. It is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, particularly in the Cascade Mountains. The plant’s name was derived in honor of Francis Baker, an early 20th-century botanist who specialized in the study of violets.Baker’s Violet produces small, purple-colored flowers that bloom in early spring and continue to flower throughout the summer season. It is a low-growing plant that can reach up to 6 inches in height and 12 inches in width. The plant is known for its heart-shaped leaves that are glossy and dark green in color.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Malpighiales
Family	Violaceae
Genus	Viola

Appearance

Baker’s Violet is a beautiful plant that produces small, purple-colored flowers that bloom in early spring and continue to flower throughout the summer season. The flowers are about the size of a dime and have five petals that are dark purple in color. The plant’s leaves are heart-shaped, glossy, and dark green in color. Baker’s Violet is a low-growing plant that can reach up to 6 inches in height and 12 inches in width.

Care Guide

Baker’s Violet is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to take care of this plant:Water: Baker’s Violet needs to be watered regularly, particularly during the summer months. Make sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Baker’s Violet does not require regular fertilization. However, you can use a slow-release fertilizer during the spring season to promote healthy growth.Soil: Baker’s Violet prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for this plant.Sunlight: Baker’s Violet prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some sunlight, but direct sunlight can cause the plant to wilt.Hardiness Zones: Baker’s Violet is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Baker’s Violet is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to some diseases. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:Slugs and snails: These pests can damage the plant’s leaves and flowers. To control them, use slug bait or set up traps.Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause the plant’s leaves and flowers to rot. To prevent this disease, make sure that the plant is not overcrowded, and avoid overhead watering.Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To prevent root rot, make sure that the soil is well-draining, and avoid overwatering.

Habitat

Baker’s Violet is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, particularly in the Cascade Mountains. It can be found growing in rocky or gravelly soils in subalpine and alpine meadows.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Baker’s Violet a good plant for container gardening? A: Yes, Baker’s Violet can be grown in containers. Make sure to use well-draining soil and water the plant regularly.Q: Does Baker’s Violet attract pollinators? A: Yes, Baker’s Violet is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.Q: Can Baker’s Violet tolerate cold temperatures? A: Yes, Baker’s Violet is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9 and can tolerate cold temperatures.Q: How often should Baker’s Violet be fertilized? A: Baker’s Violet does not require regular fertilization. However, you can use a slow-release fertilizer during the spring season to promote healthy growth.

Related Plants

Here are some plants that are related to Baker’s Violet:- Viola adunca (Hookedspur Violet)- Viola glabella (Stream Violet)- Viola odorata (Sweet Violet)- Viola pedunculata (Yellow Pansy)

References

– “Viola Bakeri.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 22 Jul. 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j260- “Viola Bakeri.” Washington Native Plant Society. Accessed 22 Jul. 2021. https://www.wnps.org/plants/viola-bakeri- “Viola Bakeri.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 22 Jul. 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=viba2