The violets (lat. Viola) are the only genus of the violet family (lat. Violaceae) that also occur in temperate areas. The genus includes around 500 species, of which the garden pansies and horned violets are the most popular.
What are the differences between pansies and violets?
The main differences between pansies and violets are the size and shape of the flowers. Garden pansies have larger flowers (approx. 5 cm in diameter) and four petals pointing upwards, while horned violets have smaller, more delicate flowers (max. 3.5 cm) with three petals pointing upwards. Pansies are usually biennial plants, while horned violets are perennials.
The violet is a perennial herb with ascending stems, notched leaves and usually multi-colored flowers from which capsules later form. The petals of the viola are edible. Violets were already mentioned in herbal books in the 16th century as a diuretic or e.g. B. recommended for skin problems. They were offered in pharmacies until the beginning of the 20th century.
Two viola species most commonly found in gardens and as balcony plants are the garden pansies and the horned violets. The garden pansy is the large-flowered variety of different Viola species, such as: B. Wild pansy (Viola tricolor), Altai pansy (Viola altaica), yellow violet (Viola lutea). With the huge selection of varieties, the decision is not easy:
- classic in white, yellow or purple,
- exotic in midnight blue, wine red or bright orange,
- delicate in light pink or blue,
- spotted, striped, flamed, edged, filled,
- with or without a black eye in the middle.
Garden pansies and horned violets are different
The most noticeable thing is the difference in size. While the open flowers of the garden pansies are around 5 cm in diameter, the horned violet flowers are much more delicate at a maximum of 3.5 cm. The flowers consist of five petals, with pansies having four petals pointing upwards and one petal pointing downwards and horned violets having three of the petals pointing upwards and two pointing downwards.
The horned violets are mostly perennials. Garden pansies are usually biennial and die after flowering. Beforehand, they can sow seeds in the appropriate location. The horned violets are cut back and divided after flowering to keep the plants strong and long-lasting. These two types of viola are easy to care for, frost-resistant and not susceptible to pests and diseases.
Tips & Tricks
In Germany there are over twenty species of violets found in nature, including: Dog violets, March violets, forest violets and spur violets.
