Violets, plants and flowers
We often forget that Violets are a plants that have been around for many years, The Queen Victoria Violet is one example, Viola x Wittrockiana with its almost black flowers is a stunning hybrid.
It is the ‘Parma Violets’ that are the really fragrant ones, grown for many years for the perfume industry in France, and still available today if you search hard enough.
The modern hybrid V.odorata varieties are commonly available. Some of the classic varieties can also be found including Violet Couer d’Alsace with its large heart shaped leaves and pink flowers. Species such as V. pedata, or ‘Birds Foot Violet’ with white flowers and attractive ferny foliage is a very fragrant variety if you can find it.
What we commonly call Violets and Pansies are really Viola’s some are perennials plants, some are annuals. Most Violas are grown for the flowers.
Pansies and Violets are mainly hybrids. A few Viola species are available and they do make worthwhile garden plants. These are excellent plants for a display of winter flowers and grow well both in containers and in the garden.
Available in both specimen pots as well as trays for mass planting, wholesale growers offer a wide range of Pansies through the year.
From the genus itself Violaceae, it is generally Viola hederacea that is offered by wholesale growers. Growing well in full sun to part shade this is a useful ground cover plant, also known as the native violet. Viola odorata and other varieties are also available.
However Violas do include what we call Violets and Pansies, and are available in punnets during the cooler months of the year.
They make excellent bedding plants and also grow well in containers and hanging baskets.
Violets are available for sale online from the following growers
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au