
Who can fail to love these flowers? They are so tiny and yet flower abundantly to give great splashes of colour. It seems that they are bursting with cheerfulness. Many of us long for the sun during dark winter days so their colour brings us a natural lift. ‘Heartsease’ is the common name for Viola Tricolor. This name probably stems from the use of the viola in love potions in medieval times, or maybe from the numerous illnesses it is said to cure, not only heart problems but also lung inflammation, fits, and skin complaints. Yet for me just the sight of the bright violas in hanging baskets and tubs in the garden brings a smile to my face and ‘eases my heart.’
Natural Habitat of the Viola
Viola Tricolor is a native of the British Isles. This tiny wild pansy crops up in cornfields, hedgerows and wasteland. The natural habitat of the Viola Tricolor gives them little comfort or nourishment, yet they thrive anyway, and this ‘hardiness’, easiness and resilience has been retained in the breeding. It is one of the reasons they are such winners with gardeners.
Viola Colours and Faces
When I come across a tiny viola on a field’s edge I feel compelled to pause for, it seems to me, that the tiny flower has its own personality and demands a moment’s admiration. So, where violas thrive, the flower heads multiply and suddenly it seems that there is a riotous crowd jostling for attention! Taken on their own, the colour of each viola takes on the significance. Yellow has a sunny, cheering disposition. Blue has a thoughtful, calming effect. Lilac and white has a sense of peace and purity. Put them together and it is like managing a class of diverse school children!
Ruth Goudy
The Flower Writer
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