Violet (plant) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Viola |
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Viola
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Violets are a group of beautiful flowering plants. They belong to a plant family called Viola. You might know them from their pretty colors, like purple, white, and yellow.
One famous type is the common blue violet. It is the state flower of Illinois in the United States. Violets are also mentioned in a well-known poem: "Roses are red, violets are blue..." They are also the birth flower for February.
Some Viola plants live for many years. These are called perennial plants. Others grow for just one year and are called annual plants. A few types are small shrubs. Many kinds of Viola are grown in gardens because their flowers are so lovely.
In gardening, the word pansy often means the colorful types of Viola. These are usually planted in flower beds by gardeners. The words 'viola' and 'violet' usually refer to the smaller flowers. These can be annuals, perennials, or wild plants.
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Discovering Viola Plants
The Viola group includes many different kinds of plants. They are known for their unique flower shapes and bright colors. These plants grow all over the world.
What Makes a Viola Special?
Viola plants have flowers with five petals. Often, two petals point up, and three point down. Many have a small "spur" at the back. This spur holds nectar for insects.
Some Viola flowers have a sweet smell. This scent helps attract bees and other insects. These insects help the plants make seeds.
Where Do Violets Grow?
You can find Viola plants in many different places. They grow in forests, meadows, and even in mountains. Some types like shady spots, while others prefer sunshine.
Many Viola species are native to cooler parts of the world. They are common in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Growing Violets and Pansies
Many people love to grow Viola plants in their gardens. They are popular because they are easy to care for. They also add a lot of color.
Caring for Your Viola Plants
Most Viola plants like soil that drains well. They also need some sunlight, but not too much hot sun. Regular watering helps them grow strong.
If you want more flowers, you can remove the old, faded ones. This is called "deadheading." It encourages the plant to make new blooms.
Different Types for Your Garden
When you visit a garden center, you might see plants labeled as "pansies" or "violas."
- Pansies usually have larger, rounder flowers. They often have dark blotches in the center, which look like little faces. Pansies come in many bright colors.
- Violas often have smaller flowers. They look more like wild violets. Violas tend to bloom for a longer time than pansies. They are also more resistant to heat.
Both pansies and violas are great for planting in pots, flower beds, or hanging baskets. They can make any garden look cheerful.
Images for kids
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Opened seed capsule of a field pansy, showing its seeds.
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A drawing of Viola from 1753.
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Viola Cazorlensis flower.
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Viola banksii flower.
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Viola stipularis flower.
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Viola tricolor flower.
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A birdsfoot violet.
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Viola abyssinica flower.
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Viola epipsila flower.
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Viola tridentata flower.
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A common blue violet.
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Viola decumbens flower.
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A cultivated Viola showing large, round flowers.
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Different types of cultivated violas at a garden show.
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See also
In Spanish: Violeta para niños
