Viola Orientalis
Contents
Description
Viola Orientalis is a perennial plant that belongs to the Violaceae family. It is also known as the Oriental Violet, Chinese Violet, and Purple-Flowered Violet. This plant is native to China and has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for its medicinal properties. Viola Orientalis is a low-growing plant with a spreading habit and can reach up to 15 centimeters in height. It has heart-shaped leaves that are dark green and slightly hairy.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Violaceae |
| Genus | Viola |
Appearance
Viola Orientalis produces delicate, purple flowers with yellow centers on long stalks. The flowers bloom in spring and summer and are about 2 centimeters in diameter. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, as long as it is well-draining. Its heart-shaped leaves and spreading habit make it a great groundcover plant for rock gardens, borders, and containers. The foliage remains green throughout the year, providing year-round interest in the garden.
Care Guide
Viola Orientalis is an easy plant to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- Soil: Plant Viola Orientalis in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Viola Orientalis can grow in USDA hardiness zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Viola Orientalis is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, avoid overhead watering and plant Viola Orientalis in an area with good air circulation. If you notice signs of disease, remove the affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Habitat
Viola Orientalis is native to China and can be found growing in open woodlands, meadows, and rocky areas. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types. This plant is also commonly grown in gardens as a groundcover or border plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Viola Orientalis a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Viola Orientalis has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its medicinal properties.
Q: What kind of soil does Viola Orientalis prefer?
A: Viola Orientalis prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: How often should I water Viola Orientalis?
A: Water Viola Orientalis deeply once a week, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the blooming time for Viola Orientalis?
A: Viola Orientalis blooms in spring and summer.
Related Plants
- Viola odorata (Sweet Violet)
- Viola x wittrockiana (Pansy)
- Viola tricolor (Heartsease)
References
- “Viola Orientalis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c918.
- “Viola Orientalis.” Plant Lust. plantlust.com/plants/viola-orientalis.
- “Viola Orientalis.” Royal Horticultural Society. www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/186946/Viola-orientalis/Details.
