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Violas and perennial pansies are sometimes referred to as little happy faces.... Well here is one that has been to the beauty parlor! This stunning little Tufted Pansy has a color combination in each flower that is absolutely fabulous: a blend of soft yellow, lemon and lavender (verging towards purple at the edges) that is truly magical.
They are marvelous for gardens of all types and sizes. From huge country estates to smaller, more intimate situations where their special personality shines out with charm and elegance.
Growing to only 6 inches tall, they make wonderful edging plants. Their rounded habit and comparatively large flowers provide cheery clumps of color that look great alongside paths, beside steps, on raised beds, or simply tucked-in along the front of beds and borders.
Click on the picture below the picture for larger view
In containers, they are absolutely spectacular. They are perfect for tubs, pots, window boxes and even hanging baskets. The exquisite flowers are so gorgeous that getting them closer to eye level is a perfect way to fully appreciate the delicacy of the color tones. They are great for brightening up those challenging semi-shady spots on decks, patios and balconies, or a dull entranceway.
If you live in areas colder than zone 6, growing violas in containers allows you to over-winter them indoors in a conservatory, a well lighted basement, or a windowsill in a cool room. Should you decide to keep them for only one season they still are an excellent value. I note that some sources claim that they are hardy in zone 5 (and even zone 4). This would be great if it were true. I know they are hardy in my zone 6 garden, but beyond that we are unsure.
In my plantings, I like to use them as ‘surprise plants’ – little vignettes of color that are discovered peeping out from the side or in between larger, more imposing specimens. They are perfect for placing in half hidden, partially shaded locations where their collective, smiling faces lean out towards the sun.
In this picture, I have it positioned to the side of a cute little clump of “Johnny-jump-ups” (Viola ‘Helen Mount’) and in front of a blue Cranesbill (Geranium ‘Brookside’). The blue, violet and golds come together to make a pleasing combination which becomes even more striking when the dainty, deep blue flowers of a spreading Bellflower (Campanula ‘Blue Waterfall’) stretch up to intermingle and extend the flower show through early summer.
With me, they usually begin flowering in mid to late spring and continue until the hot weather of summer. I find that adding plenty of compost or other organic based media at planting time, mulching, and occasionally watering during dry periods helps to extend flowering and promote nice luxuriant growth.
They succeed best in cool, humus rich, fertile soils that are well drained. As the season progresses and summer temperatures rise, the small clumps may become a little floppy. At this point, I often shear them back to about half. This encourages fresh growth, and repeat flowering that frequently extends into autumn.
The flowers are fragrant. When picked and placed in a bud vase they make a charming addition to a breakfast tray, desk, or a cheerful sight on a worktop or kitchen sink.
Where did it come from? How did it come to be?
Well, I don’t know for certain, but it could be another “darlin wee plant” from the Emerald Isle.
You see, Etain (pronounced e-tane) is a fashionable girl’s name in Ireland. The name comes from Celtic mythology and means "shining one" . . . a goddess of such legendary beauty that she surpasses all others for beauty and gentleness. So with that in mind, I would say it is particularly well named.
Visit our plant encyclopedia to learn more about Violas, their background and cultural requirements.
We invite you to come in soon and and see why we are so captivated by this enchanting beauty and why our Garden Splendor® plants are Plants Worth Remembering.®
Until next time, remember.... Enjoy your gardening. It's good for you!
