Viola Painteri

Description

Viola Painteri, also known as the Painted Violet, is a beautiful herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the violet family (Violaceae). Its scientific name is Viola tricolor subsp. Painteri. This plant is native to the Alps, where it grows in rocky crevices and alpine meadows. The plant is named after the Italian botanist, Oreste Mattirolo, who discovered it in the late 19th century.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Viola Painteri is a small plant that grows up to 6 inches in height and 10 inches in width. It has a compact habit with a rosette of oval-shaped leaves that are dark green in color. The leaves have toothed margins and are hairy on the underside. The plant produces delicate, five-petaled flowers that are about 0.5 inches in diameter. The flowers are usually purple with a yellow center, but they can also be white, pink, or blue. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer.

Care Guide

Viola Painteri is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:

• Water: The plant requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
• Fertilization: The plant doesn’t require much fertilization. You can add a slow-release fertilizer in the spring if you want to give it a boost.
• Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.
• Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. In hotter climates, it may require some shade during the hottest part of the day.
• Hardiness Zones: Viola Painteri is hardy in zones 5-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Viola Painteri is generally a healthy plant that doesn’t suffer from many pests or diseases. However, here are some issues to watch out for:

• Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can be a problem. You can control them by spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap.
• Slugs and snails: These pests can damage the leaves and flowers. You can control them by setting out traps or using slug bait.
• Botrytis: This fungal disease can cause the flowers to rot. You can prevent it by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.

Habitat

Viola Painteri is native to the Alps, where it grows in rocky crevices and alpine meadows. It prefers cool, moist environments and can tolerate some shade. In cultivation, it is often used as a rock garden plant or border plant.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Viola Painteri a good plant for containers?
A: Yes, Viola Painteri is a good plant for containers. Make sure the container has good drainage and use a well-draining potting mix.

Q: Can I propagate Viola Painteri from cuttings?
A: Yes, you can propagate Viola Painteri from cuttings. Take stem cuttings in the spring or early summer and root them in a well-draining potting mix.

Q: Does Viola Painteri attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, Viola Painteri is attractive to bees and butterflies, as well as other pollinators.

Q: Can I grow Viola Painteri indoors?
A: It is possible to grow Viola Painteri indoors, but it prefers cooler temperatures and may not bloom as well indoors.

Related Plants

• Viola odorata (Sweet Violet)
• Viola sororia (Common Blue Violet)
• Viola tricolor (Johnny Jump Up)

References

• “Viola tricolor subsp. painteri.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 8 Aug. 2021.
• “Viola Painteri.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 8 Aug. 2021.
• “Viola tricolor subsp. Painteri.” Alpine Garden Society. Accessed 8 Aug. 2021.