Viola papilionacea Pursh var. priceana (Pollard) Alexander: Overview
Viola papilionacea Pursh var. priceana (Pollard) Alexander is a herbaceous flowering plant that originates in the southeastern United States. It is commonly known by the name Price’s violet and is a member of the Violaceae family. The plant is known for its beautiful flowers and is used in the pharmaceutical industry.
Appearance
Viola papilionacea Pursh var. priceana is a small plant that grows up to 6 inches tall. The leaves are green and oval in shape, with long petioles. The flowers are produced on long stems that rise above the leaves. They are purple in color and have a distinctive shape, with two upper petals that are somewhat separated from three lower petals.
Uses
Viola papilionacea Pursh var. priceana has a variety of uses. The plant is used in the pharmaceutical industry to create products that are useful for treating colds, coughs, and sore throats. It is also used to create an ointment that is applied to the skin to help dry up wounds, sores, and acne. The plant is also used by some Native American tribes to create a tea that is drunk to help treat menstrual cramps and other menstrual problems.
The plant is also very popular in the horticultural industry, with many people growing it in their gardens or using it as a ground cover. Its beautiful flowers and low growth habit make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create a colorful and low-maintenance display.
Closing Thoughts
Viola papilionacea Pursh var. priceana is a beautiful and useful plant that has a variety of uses. Its stunning flowers and low growth habit make it a popular choice among gardeners, while its medicinal properties have led to its use in the pharmaceutical industry. Whether grown for beauty or medicine, this plant is sure to provide plenty of enjoyment for those who take the time to appreciate it.
Light Requirements
Viola papilionacea Pursh var. priceana typically grows in partially shaded areas, where it gets dappled sunlight through the day. The plant can tolerate full sun exposure in the morning, but direct afternoon sun can be too harsh. In shaded areas, the plant benefits from bright light that penetrates the canopy.
Soil Preferences
The plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. Viola papilionacea Pursh var. priceana can grow in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Sandy loam or clay soils with good aeration and water retention are ideal for the plant's growth. The soil should not be waterlogged, but it should not dry out excessively either.
Temperature Requirements
Viola papilionacea Pursh var. priceana is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8, where the minimum temperature ranges from -20°F to 20°F. However, the best growth occurs in areas with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F during the day and 50°F to 65°F at night. Extreme temperatures or sudden temperature changes can stress the plant and affect its growth.
Maintenance Needs
To ensure optimal growth, Viola papilionacea Pursh var. priceana requires regular watering, fertilization, and pest control. The plant should be watered deeply at least once a week, depending on the soil condition and weather. Inadequate watering can cause the leaves to wilt and affect the plant's general health. Fertilization should be done once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. Pest control measures should be implemented promptly to prevent infestations by aphids, mites, and thrips that can damage the plant's foliage or flowers.
Cultivation Methods
Viola papilionacea Pursh var. priceana (Pollard) Alexander grows best in well-drained, organically rich soil. It also prefers partial to full shade, and moist and cool conditions. It is recommended to propagate the plant through seed sowing or division of rhizome in early spring or autumn.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering to maintain moist soil but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot. It is best to water the plant in the morning and avoid watering overhead as it can cause fungal diseases. During dry months, the plant may need more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Viola papilionacea Pursh var. priceana (Pollard) Alexander benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. It is best to apply the fertilizer after watering the plant and following the manufacturer's instructions to avoid over-fertilization and damaging the roots.
Pruning
Pruning is not generally required for Viola papilionacea Pursh var. priceana (Pollard) Alexander. However, trimming back the plant after blooming can encourage bushier growth and more flowers the following year.
Propagation of Viola papilionacea Pursh var. priceana (Pollard) Alexander
Viola papilionacea Pursh var. priceana (Pollard) Alexander, commonly known as Sandplain blue violet, is a beautiful plant that can be propagated using one of the following methods:
Seed propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Viola papilionacea var. priceana is through seeds. The seeds are small, black, and can be harvested when the capsules ripen in July or August. Once collected, the seeds can be stored and sown in the fall or early spring. Since Sandplain blue violet is a self-pollinating species, the seeds produced will be true to the parent plant.
To sow the seeds, the soil should be slightly moist and rich in organic matter. The seeds can be scattered on the surface and covered with a thin layer of soil. Germination usually occurs within two weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted once they have more than two true leaves.
Division propagation
Another way to propagate Viola papilionacea var. priceana is through division. This method involves separating the parent plant's roots and replanting them elsewhere. Division is best done in the fall when the plant is dormant or in early spring before the growing season begins.
To divide the plant, gently dig up the plant and separate the roots into sections. Each section should have a portion of the roots, a crown, and some leaves. Replant the sections immediately in a well-draining soil mixture and water thoroughly.
Cutting propagation
While less common, Viola papilionacea var. priceana can also be propagated through cuttings. This method involves taking a stem cutting from the parent plant and rooting it in a rooting hormone and soil mixture.
To take a cutting, choose a healthy stem with several nodes and remove the leaves from the lower node. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mixture. Water the cutting and keep it in a warm, well-lit area until it roots. Once it roots, the new plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Viola papilionacea Pursh var. priceana (Pollard) Alexander
Viola papilionacea Pursh var. priceana (Pollard) Alexander is a beautiful flowering plant that often grows in meadows and rocky areas. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can damage or even kill it if left uncontrolled. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and how to manage them:
Diseases:
Southern blight: Southern blight is a fungal disease that can cause wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant. It typically affects plants during warm, humid weather. To manage it, remove and destroy infected plants and avoid planting in the same area again for at least two years.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that creates a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems. It can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other infections. To manage it, prune and destroy infected parts of the plant, apply fungicides, and increase air circulation around the plant by spacing them out properly.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots and wilting. It spreads rapidly during wet and humid weather conditions. To manage it, prune and destroy infected parts of the plant and apply fungicides.
Pests:
Slugs and snails: Slugs and snails are common pests that can eat leaves and stems of the plant. To manage them, use traps, barriers, handpicking, and chemical remedies such as copper-based products or iron phosphate bait.
Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that feed on the plant sap and can cause yellowing and curling of leaves. To manage them, wash them off with water, introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings to the area, and use insecticidal soap.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can help ensure your Viola papilionacea Pursh var. priceana (Pollard) Alexander stays healthy and beautiful.
