We will all succumb to this at some point in our years of growing violets, otherwise we wouldn’t have the passion necessary to grow and collect. It’s the nature of the beast, so to speak. Some of these special acquisitions meet our expectations, others will most assuredly disappoint. A plant may have a gorgeous, large blossom at the expense of acceptable foliage; or it may turn out to be especially sensitive to specific environmental or cultural inconsistencies. And indeed, many violet varieties I have grown over the years seem to have quite specific and consistent vulnerabilities that I’ve had to learn to accommodate if I wish to grow them.
We’ve all been there: we see a picture of a violet in the magazine, on a website or the show tables, and we immediately know we absolutely must have it. Maybe it’s the magnificently ruffled edge, the intoxicating color combo or the novelty of something entirely new. Whatever “it” is, we know we must obtain it, at any cost. And the day finally arrives when you have added that most coveted variety to your collection. You admire it, give it your best location and will it to thrive and bloom, sometimes forsaking all others, at least temporarily. We will all succumb to this at some point in our years of growing violets, otherwise we wouldn’t have the passion necessary to grow and collect. It’s the nature of the beast, so to speak. Some of these special acquisitions meet our expectations, others will most assuredly disappoint. A plant may have a gorgeous, large blossom at the expense of acceptable foliage; or it may turn out to be especially sensitive to specific environmental or cultural inconsistencies. And indeed, many violet varieties I have grown over the years seem to have quite specific and consistent vulnerabilities that I’ve had to learn to accommodate if I wish to grow them. Some are still worthy of growing, as is the case of Rob’s Artful Dodger. Although I have restarted this variety many times and from different sources, its weakness is always the same. The plant is incredibly sensitive to overwatering. In winter, I have to be careful if it resides in a community tray. It begins with a browning of crown leaf margins, and sometimes it seems as if the entire crown is lost overnight. Then there is nothing more to do other than restart it from leaves. But, the plant is lovely, so I keep it. The blooms are numerous and delicate, the foliage really spectacular when grown well. Another favorite “problem child” is Rob’s Whippoorwill, which has an exquisitely pretty, pale bloom and pleasing crown variegation. The variegation isn’t always consistent, since it appears to be heavily controlled by temperature. My main complaint, however, is the plant’s sensitivity toward cool water. One cool water watering and the edges of the leaves brown within hours. So, it’s sensitive and I try to remember to take precautions. I will still continue to grow it, because the plant is nice, and I like it. We make concessions.
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April 2018
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