Ultimate Guide to Violet Flowers Meanings and Symbolism

Violets have so much to offer, whether added to a flower arrangement or to a bed in your garden. Dating back to ancient Greek times, their purple-blue blossoms are seen as symbols of loyalty and purity. As one of the first plants to bloom in the spring, violets are also attractive to a variety of pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about Violet Flower Meaning, Symbolism, History, Origins, and more.

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Origins and History of Violet Flowers

Violets are thought to take their name from their blue-purple color. However, they also come in shades of blue, yellow, and cream. What’s more, there are thought to be around 500 species of violets today that belong to the genus Viola.

It’s worth noting there are several species that are also known as pansies. Blue and purple shades are the violet’s most common colors. Most other color variations are a result of hybridization. Violets, violas, and pansies belong to the same genus, but each has slightly different characteristics.

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The Violet Flower – Species and Plant Family

Viola is a genus of flowering plants in the family Violaceae, first formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.

It is the largest genus in the family, containing between 525 and 600 species.

Most species are found in the Northern Hemisphere in temperate climates. However, some are also found in locations such as Hawaii, Australasia, and the Andes.

Where are Violet Flowers Native?

Violets, native to Europe and Asia, are indigenous to temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere. They typically bloom from spring well into summer depending on the species.

Among the family Violaceae are sweet violets, dog violets, wild pansies, bedding violets, and more.

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Most Popular Types of Violet Flowers

There are about 400 types of violet plants in the genus Viola. In the United States alone, there are about 60 species. The most common is the blue-violet (Viola sororia), which grows wild along the East Coast from Maine to Florida.

Despite the name, the African violet is not part of the violet species. Sweet violets (Viola odorata) are recognized for their sweet scent. Bedding and sweet violets are the most popular varieties sold at nurseries.

Sweet violets also are known as English violet, garden violet, and florist’s violet. Violets can be identified by their bluish-purple blooms and heart-shaped leaves with scalloped or saw-toothed edges.

In general, this beautiful flower is recognized by its five-petal blossom shape. These feature two at the top, two on the sides and a small one in the bottom center. Most violets are small perennial plants, but a few are annuals.

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Violet Flower Uses & Benefits

While these romantic flowers are enjoyed for their beauty and sweet scent, they’re also popular in savory recipes, syrups, teas, salads, and sweet desserts. Both the leaves and blooms are edible.

Since they are edible flowers, violets often are coated in sugar and used as edible decorations on cakes and other sweet treats.

Medicinal Benefits of Violet Flowers

The plant also is rich in vitamin C and vitamin A, particularly in the petals and stems.

Some claim that violet can be used similar to aspirin to relieve inflammation and aches. However, a large dose of violet can cause vomiting and digestive disorders, so it is best used carefully.

Violets produce a scent that’s well-liked, but hard to describe. That’s because the blooms contain ionine, a chemical that temporarily desensitizes the sense of smell. Just as you take in the first whiff of aroma, your nose briefly dysfunctions, and the scent is gone. The scent, however you describe it, is a popular addition to breath fresheners, perfumes, oils, and lotions.

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Violet Flower Meanings

Common violet flower meanings include innocence, everlasting love, modesty, spiritual wisdom, faithfulness, mysticism, and remembrance.

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Violet Flower Symbolism

Violet Flowers in Christianity

In Christian writings, the violet flower is often seen as a symbolic emblem of humility. Because of its three leaves, medieval monks called violets “the herbs of Trinity” or “flowers of Trinity”. It is also said that violets symbolize the Virgin Mary’s humility and purity. These blossomed when the angel Gabriel told Mary that Jesus would be her baby.

In the world of religious art, the violet flower meanings are often portrayed as a symbol of modesty and humbleness. For instance, in many paintings of the Renaissance era, the Virgin Mary is often seen with baby Jesus in her arms with purple flowers, in symbolic reference to her modesty.

In addition, the works of Leonardo da Vinci (“Madonna and child with flowers”) and Giovanni Paolo (“Madonna of humility”) feature the violet flower prominently.

Violet Flowers in Greek Mythology

Violet flowers have deep roots in Greek Mythology. As the story goes, violets were the creation of Artemis who transformed one of his virginal nymphs into the delicate flower to protect her from the approaches of her twin brother Apollo. This is why violet flowers became a symbol of modesty and restraint.

The earliest cultivation of violets supposedly traces back to 500 B.C. Ancient Greeks used violets in wine, food, and medicine. The plant was seen as the symbol of fertility and love, and as such was used in love potions and to ward off headaches and dizzy spells. This tradition was so popular that it also became the symbol of Athens.

Violet Flowers in Ancient Greece and Rome

Violets had many uses throughout history. Greeks and Romans were said to use violets as funeral decorations. Whilst Persians used them as a calming agent against anger and headaches. In Ancient Rome, they made wine from violet flowers, which they believed could prevent drunkenness.

Other Symbolism

Violets also are the official February birth flower, making them a perfect gift for the birthday of a loved one. The violet is frequently linked to the amethyst, the February birthstone that symbolizes deep love, royalty and happiness.

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Interesting Facts and Trivia About Violet Flowers

• The violet is the state flower of Rhode Island, Illinois, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. In the United Kingdom, the dog violet is the county flower of Lincolnshire. The purple violet is the provincial flower of New Brunswick.

• Violets, and badges depicting them, are sold in fund-raising efforts in Australia and New Zealand on and around Violet Day in commemoration of lost World War I soldiers.
• The violet was Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte’s signature flower. He used it to cover his wife’s grave when she died in 1814. In addition, some of Bonaparte’s supporters were known to use violet flowers to assess if subjects were loyal to the emperor by asking them if they liked the flowers.

• Violets are used as food plants or host plants by the larvae of some moth butterfly species.
• In astrology, the violet flower is associated with the sign of Taurus . The flower is influenced and protected by the planet Venus.
• In Victorian times, violet flowers were often symbolic of good humility and fortune. Some even believed that carrying violets might keep evil spirits at bay, while another tradition said that wearing violets atop a head would alleviate inebriation.

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How to Grow Violet Flowers at Home in Your Garden or Patio

Violets tend to do best in partially shady areas with rich and moist soil enhanced with good all-purpose garden compost.

The delicate plant is not the biggest fan of heat and humidity. Violets are great for cooler climates where they’ll happily shrug off colder temperatures.

They are super easy to start from seed as well and once bedded will spring up for many seasons to come.

How to Plant Violets

• The best time to plant violets is in the early spring months.
• Plant 4 to 8 inches apart in soils with acidic to neutral pH balance.
• Mulch liberally which will help to keep the roots cooler longer.
• Be cautious with watering cycles as the plants only need a moderate amount. Aim for consistent moisture but avoid damp, stagnant conditions as is a common cause of root rot.
• You can remove past prime blooms to help promote a longer flowering season.
• Fertilize once or twice during the growing season with an organic, water-soluble fertilizer.

Violet Flowers are low-maintenance plants and can be grown close to the ground, making them an attractive option for ground cover.

Wrap Up

This dainty yet hardy popular plant has been passed down for centuries. Violets are so adaptable and versatile that they are an easy choice to enhance any garden, whether it be a bed or a pot. They require little care other than basic watering, feeding, and deadheading. And with their early blooms, they always seem to herald the arrival of another beautiful spring season.