Origin
Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia (Greene) M.E. Peck, commonly known as purple violet or Kellogg's violet, is a species of flowering plant that is native to the western United States, including California, Oregon, and Nevada. It grows in various habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and grasslands.
Common Names
Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia is commonly referred to as the purple violet or Kellogg's violet due to the color of its petals and its discoverer, American botanist and early conservationist, Albert Kellogg.
Uses
Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia has historically been used by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes, including treating coughs, sore throats, and headaches. Today, the plant is primarily valued for its ornamental qualities and is grown as a garden plant.
General Appearance
Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia is a perennial plant that grows up to 15 cm in height, forming a rosette of leaves at the base. The leaves are green, lobed, and typically have a heart shape. The plant produces small purple flowers with five petals that are held above the leaves on long stalks. The petals may have dark veins that form a pattern resembling a bird's foot, giving rise to the common name "bird's-foot violet".
Light Requirements
Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia requires partial shade to full sun exposure to thrive. However, excessive exposure to intense sunlight may cause damage to the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
This plant variant is well adapted to a range of temperatures but prefers cool weather. It will flourish in temperatures ranging from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit may cause wilting or leaf scorching, while temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit may cause stunting of the growth.
Soil Requirements
Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. The soil should also have good water retention properties as this plant prefers consistently moist soil. Sandy loam soils are an excellent choice for growing this plant.
Cultivation Methods
Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia (Greene) M.E. Peck, also known as Kellogg's desert violet, is a hardy perennial plant that is easy to cultivate. The plant thrives in well-draining soil with a neutral pH level. It prefers full sun but can also handle partial shade. It is an ideal plant for xeriscaping, as it requires minimal watering and little maintenance.
Watering Needs
One of the great benefits of Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia is that it requires very little watering. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive on natural rainfall alone, making it an excellent choice for areas with little rainfall or for gardeners looking to conserve water. During periods of prolonged drought, the plant may require supplemental watering to prevent stress, and the soil should always be allowed to dry out between waterings.
Fertilization
Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia does not require much fertilization. Too much fertilizer can actually harm the plant. However, if the soil is very poor in nutrients, the plant can benefit from a low-nitrogen fertilizer applied in the spring. A slow-release fertilizer can be used as well, but only once or twice per year.
Pruning
Pruning Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia is not necessary, but some gardeners like to deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms. Deadheading also prevents self-seeding, which can cause the plant to spread too quickly. In the fall, the plant will begin to die back, at which time you can prune it back to the ground. This will help keep the plant tidy, and it will also allow for fresh growth in the spring.
Propagation of Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia
Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia is commonly known as the Purple violet. Propagation is the process of starting new plants from a variety of sources, including seeds, cuttings, and division. The propagation method for Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia depends on the desired outcome, the resources available, and the time of year.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia. The seeds are planted in the fall or early spring, and they will generally germinate within two to four weeks. The seeds are small and should be sown on the soil surface, barely covered with soil or fine-textured sand. Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia seeds need light to germinate, so do not cover them. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings is another propagation method for Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia. Take stem cuttings of approximately 4-6 inches in length from the parent plant in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the cutting in a location that gets bright, indirect sunlight and maintain moist soil. It will take around four to six weeks for the cuttings to root.
Division Propagation
Division is a propagation method that works well for mature Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia plants. Dig up the parent plant and separate the root clumps carefully. Replant the divisions in a well-draining soil mix and water them regularly for the first few weeks. Keep them in a shady area for several days to reduce moisture loss. Plant divisions in the fall or early spring when the weather is cool to allow the new plants to establish before the hot weather arrives.
Disease and Pest Management for Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia (Greene) M.E. Peck
Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia (Greene) M.E. Peck is generally hardy, but some diseases and pests may affect the plant. It is essential to manage these problems to avoid any harm to the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Root rot, gray mold, and powdery mildew are the most common diseases that might affect Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the plant's roots. The disease causes the roots to rot, and the plant may start to wilt and die. To avoid root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant. If you suspect root rot, dig out the plant and remove any affected roots. Let the plant dry out for a day or two before replanting.
Gray Mold
Gray mold is a fungal disease that affects Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia leaves, stems, and flowers. The disease causes brown spots on the foliage, and the flowers may become mushy and gray. To manage gray mold, remove infected plant parts and avoid overwatering the plant. You may also treat the plant with fungicides.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the plant's leaves. The disease appears as a white powdery coating on the plant's foliage, which can cause it to deform and turn brown. To manage powdery mildew, maintain good air circulation, and keep the soil moist. In severe cases, you may treat the plant with fungicides.
Common Pests
Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and slugs. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant and require immediate attention.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap and may cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. You may remove aphids by spray-washing the plant with water or by applying insecticidal soaps.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny mites that feed on the plant's sap and cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. You may manage spider mites by maintaining a humid environment around the plant and spraying it with water. In severe cases, treat the plant with miticides.
Slugs
Slugs are mollusks that feed on the plant's foliage and leave large irregular holes on the leaves. To manage slugs, remove any debris around the plant to avoid hiding areas for the slugs. You may also apply bait or trap them.
With proper disease and pest management, Viola purpurea Kellogg var. atriplicifolia can thrive and produce healthy foliage and flowers.
