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Violaceae
Violet
Viola
Modesty, faithfulness, everlasting love.
- Family
- Violaceae
- Genus
- Viola
- Native to
- Northern Hemisphere temperate regions
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 5–20 cm
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil
- Moist, rich, well-drained
- Water
- Regular
- Hardiness
- 3–9
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Did you know
- Violets produce two types of flowers — showy spring flowers for insect pollination and hidden, self-pollinating flowers later in the season.
- The scent of violets contains ionone, which temporarily deadens the smell receptors — which is why violet fragrance seems to come and go.
- Violets are edible and were candied by the Victorians for decorating cakes and desserts.
- Napoleon Bonaparte's favorite flower was the violet; he promised to return 'with the violets' from exile on Elba.
- Viola odorata petals contain rutin and have been used medicinally for coughs and congestion.