If the temperatures rise to over 8 °C in spring, violets are no longer fun. The violet flowers only bloom at temperatures below that. They look very special and inevitably bring color to beds, meadows, forests, under trees and elsewhere.
Why do violets have the typical blue-violet color?
The typical color of violet flowers is caused by anthocyanins in the cell sap, which in combination with cell sap produce a violet-blue color. To achieve a bright violet blue, the plant needs a shady location, sufficient nutrients and consistent soil moisture.
Types of violets and their flower colors
There are numerous representatives in the world of violet species. Not all of them have violet-blue flowers. For example, horned violets and pansies, which also belong to the violet family, have all sorts of varieties in a wide variety of colors.
The most famous violet, the fragrant violet, usually blooms in a rich purple. But there are also cultivated forms such as 'Red Charme' with purple flowers, 'Albaflora' with white flowers, 'Sulphurea' with yellow-orange flowers and 'Wismar' with lavender and white-speckled flowers.
Here are other types of violets with their flower colors:
- Forest violet: violet-blue
- Grove violet: blue-violet, cultivated form 'Purpurea' in reddish-violet
- Dog violet: bright blue
- Labrador violet: porcelain blue
- Pentecost violet: violet-blue, cultivars 'Albiflora' in white, 'Gabriela' in violet and 'Freckles' with white-blue spots
Violet blue – the most popular color for violets
Although there seem to be no limits to the flower colors, violet blue is the most popular color for violets. Such blue is rarely found in nature. It is a mixed color of a warming red that is bursting with energy and power and a cooling blue that represents power.
How is the typical violet-blue color created?
The typical violet blue, a mixture of violet and blue, is created by anthocyanins. These are contained in the cell sap of the flowers. Depending on how the anthocyanins react with the cell sap, the petals of the flowers show a blue, violet or red color.
What is necessary for a radiant violet blue?
Not every violet-blue flowering violet is at the peak of its flower color potential. If viola is placed in a place that is too sunny, the flower color will fade quickly. Care also affects the flowers. A good supply of nutrients and constant moisture in the soil are extremely important.
Tips & Tricks
The violet blue can be beautifully expressed with yellow blooming spring flowers. For example, plant yellow crocuses, daffodils or winter aconites next to your violets. On the other hand, more delicate accents are created next to white-flowering crocuses and daffodils.