Origin
Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea (Kellogg) J.C. Clausen is a species of wildflower native to California, particularly in the northern and central parts of the state. It is commonly found in open forests, meadows, and grasslands.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Golden Violet or Sierra Violet and belongs to the Violaceae family. It was named after its golden-yellow colored petals that stand out among other violets in the field.
Uses
Golden Violets have some medicinal uses. Native Americans used an infusion of its roots, taken orally, to treat colds, coughs, and sore throats. Its blooming season, from February to August, attracts bees and butterflies, making it a perfect plant for pollination in gardens.
General Appearance
Golden Violets have basal leaves and erect stems ranging from 10-30 cm tall. The leaves are dark green and kidney-shaped with scalloped edges and long petioles. The flowers are about 2 cm wide and have five petals. The petals are golden-yellow, and the flowers are often darker at the base and have purple lines. Golden Violets do not tolerate hot, long summers with low humidity very well and will wilt away, preferring moist, well-drained soil.
Growth Conditions of Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea
Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Violacea. It is commonly known as golden violet, and it is native to the western part of the United States, particularly in California, Oregon, and Washington. Like other plants, Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea has specific growth conditions that must be met to ensure its survival and growth.
Light
Golden violets prefer a moderate shade to full sun exposure. It grows optimally in a woodland or forest understory, where it receives partial shade from trees. Full sunlight may scorch the leaves, while too much shade may decrease flower production.
Temperature
Golden violets can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from freezing to scorching hot weather. However, it grows optimally in a temperate climate, with mild temperatures ranging between 18 to 24 ?C (65 to 75 ?F). It can withstand frost down to -15 ?C (5 ?F).
Soil
Golden violets thrive in moist, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow on sandy or rocky soils as long as there is enough moisture retention. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Additionally, Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea can tolerate heavy soils as long as they are well-drained. However, it cannot survive in waterlogged soils, which may cause the roots to rot.
In conclusion, to ensure optimal growth and survival of Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea, it is crucial to provide the plant with moderate shade to full sun exposure, mild temperatures, and a moist, well-drained soil.
Cultivation Methods for Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea (Kellogg) J.C. Clausen
Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea (Kellogg) J.C. Clausen, commonly known as golden violet, can be grown in a wide range of soils and environments. It thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. The plant prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight, making it an ideal choice for woodland gardens.
The best time to plant golden violets is in the spring or fall. The root system is shallow and delicate, so it's essential to handle the plant with care during transplanting. Water the plant regularly during the establishment phase to encourage healthy growth.
Watering Needs for Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea (Kellogg) J.C. Clausen
Golden violets require moderate watering, and the soil should never be allowed to dry out completely. Too much moisture, however, can lead to root rot and other diseases. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Always water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry.
Fertilization for Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea (Kellogg) J.C. Clausen
Golden violets have moderate fertilization needs. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring and again in mid-summer will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and diminish the number of flowers.
Pruning Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea (Kellogg) J.C. Clausen
Golden violets require minimal pruning. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage additional blooms and prevent the plant from self-seeding. In the fall, trim back any dead or damaged foliage to tidy up the plant before winter. Be careful not to over-prune, as this can stunt the growth and reduce the overall vigor of the plant.
Propagation of Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea (Kellogg) J.C. Clausen
Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea (Kellogg) J.C. Clausen can be propagated through a few different methods. One common method is through seeds, while another is through division.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is one of the easiest methods and can be done at home. Start by collecting seeds from mature plants. It is important to note that seeds can be challenging to germinate, and the process can take up to two years. The best time to sow seeds is in the fall, where they can naturally stratify throughout the winter and begin germinating in the spring.
When sowing seeds indoors, use a well-draining, soilless mix and sow the seeds thinly on top of the mix. Gently cover the seeds to their own depth and moisten the mix. The seeds need to be kept in cool, dark conditions until germination, which can take several weeks.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is a quick and straightforward way to propagate Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea (Kellogg) J.C. Clausen. To start, dig up the plant in the fall when it is dormant, then separate the roots or plant into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one leaf rosette and a section of root attached.
Replant the sections immediately and water them well, ensuring the soil is firm around the roots. It is essential to ensure that the plants are kept well-watered in the first few weeks after division, as they will need to put down roots in their new location.
Both propagation methods can be successful, but it is essential to start with healthy parent plants and carefully follow the propagation instructions.
Disease and Pest Management for Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea
Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea, commonly known as the golden violet, is a perennial herbaceous plant that can be vulnerable to certain diseases and pests. It is important to properly manage these issues to keep your plants healthy and thriving.
Common Diseases
One common disease that can affect Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea is powdery mildew. This fungal disease shows as a white or gray powdery substance on the leaves and can cause them to yellow and eventually fall off. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plants by spacing them properly and avoiding overhead watering. You may also use a fungicide spray to prevent the spread of the disease.
Another disease that can impact Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea is leaf spot, which causes black or brown spots on the leaves. This disease often spreads in wet, humid conditions. To manage leaf spot, remove affected leaves as soon as possible and avoid overhead watering. You may also use a fungicide spray or copper-based antifungal agent.
Common Pests
One common pest that can affect Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea is the aphid. These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause leaves to curl and yellow. To manage aphids, you can apply a insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to your garden.
Another pest that may attack Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea is the slugs and snails. These mollusks feed on the leaves and can cause significant damage especially if not managed early. To manage slugs and snails, you can use slug pellets or copper strips around the plants, and ensure that the area around the plants is kept free of debris.
By keeping a close eye on your Viola purpurea Kellogg ssp. aurea and regularly monitoring for signs of disease and pests, you can help ensure the health and longevity of your plant. Implementing proper management strategies will help keep your plants healthy, happy, and beautiful.
