The Flowers of February: Violets
Not many flowers bloom during the cold months of the year. Violets are an exception. These purple petaled flowers bloom between late winter and early spring, just before most other flowers show off their colors. For this reason, violets are the flowers that represent the month of February. These flowers also symbolize love and faith. There is so much to learn about violets. So, if you keep reading, you can learn all about these purple beauties.
The following is what you will discover about violets:
– a simple overview
– their symbolism
– their history
– when and where to plant
– how to take care of them
An Overview of Violets
The most common type of violets are African violets. This type, originally grown in Africa, can only be grown indoors because it cannot be exposed to moisture. However, there are still some species of violets that can be grown and maintained outside in the garden. Overall, violets are perennials that grow in small little groups. Although not very common, there are some violets that are annuals and grow on shrubs.
Originally grown in the Northern Hemisphere, violets are cute flowers that grow in little clusters. The most common color of violets is- for obvious reasons- violet. It is a pretty and unique mix of purple and blue which creates a gorgeous hue. For African violets, the houseplant, there are a variety of additional colors such as blue, pink, white, and red. However, violet is their signature color.
Violets are composed of about three or four colored petals attached to the center. Sometimes, the center of the flower is a bright yellow that contrasts beautifully with the violet color. The petals are short and misshapen, but they all connect to make one stunning flower. Violets usually grow to be about 15 to 25 centimeters. Therefore, they provide lots of color to your garden or room without taking up too much space.
Violets and their Symbolism
Like most other flowers, violets represent different things, often based on their color. Violets, in general, represent the month of February. Because of this, all babies born in this month are represented by this flower.
Violets primarily symbolize different things like love, humility, faith, and dignity. However, the meanings change based on the color of the flower. Blue violet flowers represent love and loyalty whereas yellow violets mean goodness and value. Additionally, white violets symbolize purity. No matter what color violet you are looking for, these flowers represent great concepts and can send messages with their different colors and symbolisms.
History of the Violet Flower
These delicate flowers have grown for centuries. Historians believe they have been grown since 500 B.C.E. Originally grown in Greece, violets were used to make wine and medicine. They were also used as food sweeteners.
This flower was loved throughout history. It was used in different myths. For example, in Roman mythology, when the goddess Venus became jealous of another woman’s beauty, she turned them into blue violets. Napoleon Bonaparte even idolized this specie of flower as he declared it his very own signature flower.
All in all, violets have been around for a long time and have been loved by many. Their beauty still commands attention to this day. Violets remain one of the most popularly grown flowers in gardens and as houseplants.
When and Where to Plant Violets
Violets often grow naturally in wooded areas. So, it is not too difficult to plant and maintain them. The best type of land for violets should be damp ground that can be drained easily. It should also have access to both sun and shade. Generally, the best environment would have similar characteristics to wooded areas.
For African violets, planting is also easy. As indoor plants, these violets require potting soil that can drain easily. If water builds up and rests in the pot, then the flower’s roots will be damaged. It is recommended that the soil contain organic materials so that the plant can stay healthy.
For all violets, the best time of year to plant them is during the beginning of spring. This way, they will be able to show off their beautiful colors in late winter- just in time for February!
How to Take Care of Violets
True violets, as winter and spring flowers, are not difficult to keep healthy. They are strong flowers that do not require much attention and can uphold their strength through the seasons. As mentioned before, the soil of the flowers should be able to drain easily. Without this quality, the roots can be damaged. Similar to the soil of African violets, it is best to have organic material in the soil to promote healthy growth.
Violets survive well with or without lots of sunlight. While it is important that they receive a mix of both, this flower does not prefer one to the other, making the planting process much easier.
As for watering, true violets do not need much. As said above, violets really do not need much attention. Because of this, violets only need to be watered a few times during the periods when they are growing.
For African violets, the care and upkeep are a little different, since they are houseplants. The soil should stay at room temperature. But this should not be too hard since the flowers will be residing inside. You should also re-pot African violets every year and make sure to add fresh soil.
African violets enjoy indirect sunlight and, similar to true violets, there is no set amount of sunlight that they require. While it is recommended that they get medium to bright sunlight, they can still survive with just a little bit each day. If the leaves begin to look dark and thin, then the plant is probably getting too much sunlight.
Overall, violets and African violets are beautiful flowers that make great additions to any garden or flowerpot in the winter and springtime. So, to brighten up those cold and gray February days, consider planting violets!
