Origin and Common Names of Viola ×filicetorum Greene (pro sp.)
Viola ×filicetorum Greene (pro sp.) is a hybrid plant that belongs to the Violaceae family. It is a cross between Viola adunca and Viola glabella, both of which are found in North America. This hybrid plant is also known as fern-leaved violet and Oregon violet. It is commonly found in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, including British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon.
Uses of Viola ×filicetorum Greene (pro sp.)
Viola ×filicetorum Greene (pro sp.) has several medicinal uses. Its leaves and flowers have been traditionally used to treat coughs, colds, sore throats, and headaches. The plant contains compounds such as saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is also believed to have diuretic effects and can be used to treat urinary tract infections. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Viola ×filicetorum Greene (pro sp.) is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. Its delicate, fern-like leaves and small, purple flowers make it an attractive addition to any outdoor space.
General Appearance of Viola ×filicetorum Greene (pro sp.)
Viola ×filicetorum Greene (pro sp.) is a low-growing, perennial plant that typically reaches up to 8 inches in height. Its leaves are basal, which means they grow from the base of the plant. The leaves are deeply lobed and resemble fern fronds, with a dark green color and a slightly glossy texture. The flowers are small, measuring around 1 inch in diameter, and have five petals that range in color from deep purple to lavender. The plant blooms in late spring and early summer.
Viola ×filicetorum Greene (pro sp.) is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade but can also grow in full sun. The plant is relatively low-maintenance and can be propagated through division or seed.
Growth Conditions for Viola ×filicetorum Greene
Viola ×filicetorum Greene is commonly known as Fern-leaved Violet. It belongs to the Violaceae family and is a perennial herb. This plant is a hybrid of Viola cucullata and Viola palmata. It is native to the United States and is commonly found in the Eastern part of the country.
Light Requirements
Viola ×filicetorum Greene prefers partial shade to full shade conditions. The plant does not do well in direct sunlight. Full shade conditions will result in large leaves but few flowers, while partial shade will result in more flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The Fern-leaved violet is typical of temperate climates. It prefers cool and moist conditions. The plant can tolerate low temperatures but cannot withstand freezing. Temperatures between 60°F-70°F are ideal for this plant.
Soil Requirements
Viola ×filicetorum Greene prefers moist and well-draining soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 5.5 to 7 is ideal for the Fern-leaved violet. The plant can also tolerate poor soils but may not flower as well. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist to avoid drying out.
Cultivation methods
Viola ×filicetorum Greene is a hardy plant that can thrive in both outdoor gardens and indoor containers. It prefers moist and well-drained soil with a neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Plant these flowers in a spot that receives partial shade or filtered sunlight as full sunlight can scorch the leaves.
When planting, make sure to space each plant around 8 to 10 inches apart. If you're planting in containers, choose a pot that has proper drainage holes and fill it with a mix of garden soil, potting soil, and compost.
Watering needs
Viola ×filicetorum Greene requires moderate watering, especially during hot and dry weather. The soil should be kept lightly moist but not soaking wet. Avoid letting the soil become too dry between watering, as this can cause stress to the plant.
Water the plant gently, taking care not to splash water onto the foliage, in the mornings or evenings when temperatures are lower. This will prevent the leaves from getting burned by the sun.
Fertilization
Viola ×filicetorum Greene is not a heavy feeder and can grow well in fertile soil without the need for additional fertilization. However, if your soil is deficient in essential nutrients, you can feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Be careful not to over-fertilize as this can harm the plant. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and dilute appropriately before feeding.
Pruning
Pruning Viola ×filicetorum Greene is not necessary, but you can deadhead faded flowers regularly to promote blooming. Use a pair of pruning shears or scissors to trim off the flowers just below the stem once they start to wither.
If the plant becomes too bushy and overgrown, you can trim it back to shape it. Wait until the flowering season is over, and then remove the top third of the plant's growth. This will encourage the plant to produce more compact and bushy growth for the following season.
Propagation of Viola ×filicetorum Greene
Viola ×filicetorum, commonly known as the fern-leaved violet, is a hybrid plant that can be propagated through several methods including division, seed, and cuttings.
Division
The easiest way to propagate Viola ×filicetorum is through division. This can be done in early spring when the plant is just beginning to emerge from dormancy. Simply dig up the whole plant and gently divide it into several smaller sections, making sure each division has its own healthy root system. These can then be replanted in a new location with well-drained soil and partial shade.
Seed propagation
Viola ×filicetorum can be grown from seed, although this method can be more challenging. The seeds should be sown in early spring into well-drained soil and kept moist until germination occurs, which can take up to several weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a good size, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is also possible for Viola ×filicetorum. Take cuttings of around 4-6 inches in length from healthy plants in early summer. Remove the lower leaves and plant in moist soil. Keep the soil moist and the cuttings in partial shade until they have rooted, which can take several weeks. Once rooted, the new plants can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Viola ×filicetorum is susceptible to several diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. Some of the common diseases that affect Viola ×filicetorum include:
- Botrytis Blight: This disease is caused by Botrytis cinerea, a fungal pathogen that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. Symptoms include brown spots on the leaves and stems, and a grayish mold on the flowers.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Cercospora violae. It appears as yellow or brown spots on the leaves.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is caused by several fungi, and it appears as a white powdery film on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can stunt the growth of the plant and cause it to weaken.
To manage these diseases, it is recommended to practice good sanitation practices, such as removing infected plant parts, reducing humidity levels, and providing adequate spacing between the plants to improve air circulation. Fungicides can also be used to control these diseases.
Pest Management
Viola ×filicetorum is also susceptible to various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Some of the common pests that affect Viola ×filicetorum include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause wilting, stunted growth, and distortion of the plant.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that are difficult to see with the naked eye. They cause yellow spots on the leaves and can cause defoliation of the plant over time.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of various species of moths. They feed on the stem of the plant at ground level and can clip the plant at the base, killing it.
To manage these pests, it is recommended to practice good sanitation practices, such as removing debris and weeds from around the plant, and using insecticidal soaps or natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings to control the population of pests. Additionally, physical barriers like row covers can be used to prevent pests like cutworms from reaching the plant.
