Violets

Violets grow in the wild everywhere.  In fact violets can be found on every continent in the world.  Further, violets provide humanity with added benefits that go beyond their aesthetic properties; many species of violets are used in dyes, perfumes and medicines.  Finally, violets add a beautiful touch to floral arrangements, make excellent house plants, and are a lovely addition to any garden!

There are well over 150 species of violets in existence and they are found growing all over the world; including tropical areas as well as in the wild.  Violets are perennial herbs that promise a return every year and are so beloved by people that they are even the official flower of three states!  Historically speaking, violets were once used in spells and love potions.  Further, New England settlers used to make jams out of the precious bloom.

The common wild violet, also known as the blue prairie violet, can grow almost anywhere.  Thus, people can find violets cropping up in fields, in forests, and along roadsides and streams. What’s more, violets are a multifaceted plant that can be consumed and is manufactured into useable products like perfumes and oils.

Another common species of violet, the African violet, is often raised as a houseplant and can beautify any room!  Also, African violets require little lighting to thrive, thus this plant truly proves ideal for an indoor setting.  Conversely, an African violet owner should bear in mind that too much light with damage their bloom and the foliage with turn yellow and die.

Violets are in a number of manufactured products.  In fact, violets can be used in jams, cough syrup, emetics, and laxatives.  What’s more, violets are viewed as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments including acne, dizziness, eczema, exhaustion, headaches, and digestive problems and have even been used to help in speeding up the healing process of wounds.

In addition to its medicinal properties, violets can be used in baths and also be used as an anti-inflammatory agent.  Additionally, violets can assist in healing sore throats and help relieve congestion.  What’s more, some individuals like adding violets to salads as they add a tangy taste and extra color to an already beautifully tossed salad!  Finally, the foliage of violets are said to possess high amounts of both vitamins A and C!

Violets are particularly prone to insects and disease, making them sometimes difficult to care for.  In fact, violets are so adored by insects that gardeners will choose to grow violets will more than likely have to purchase a quality insecticide.  The types of pests that attack violets include aphids, beetles, cockroaches, earwigs, larvae, mealybugs, mites, pillbugs, springtails, symphylias, and thrips.

The signs that a gardener’s violets are being affected by pests usually include irreparable damage like severe wilting and holes in the foliage.  Thus, investing in and using an insecticide before violets can be destroyed is crucial.  Finally, despite the difficulty in maintaining violets, this particular bloom remains quite popular throughout the world.