The pansy flower, scientifically called violet, is part of the large and multi-colored violet family. It is often called viola. This beautiful plant has been known since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans, in whose myths there are stories about its origin. In the Middle Ages, the pansy flower was one of the symbols of Christianity. In addition, it was called the violet of the Holy Trinity, identifying its three petals with three holy faces, and the speck in the middle with the all-seeing eye of God. For lovers, the plant served as a symbol of fidelity.
Where the Russian name came from is not known, although you can guess by looking at the enlarged photo of the flowers. Pansies do look a bit like an eye, but this applies mainly to large and improved varieties. There is a legend that the viola received such a tender name thanks to the sad story of a certain young girl who did not wait for the return of her beloved.
By its biological characteristics, the pansy flower is a perennial, however,it is generally grown as a biennial. In the first year, the plant forms only the leafy part, and blooms only in the second. Its height is up to twenty centimeters. The upright tetrahedral stems bear round or oval leaves with serrated edges. The flowers of pansies are located on elongated pedicels, they are quite large and reach a diameter of up to 12 cm. Their beautiful coloration is especially striking.
In many personal plots you can see pansies. Easy-to-grow flowers are a favorite among gardeners.
The plant prefers loose and nutritious soil, feeling great in shaded areas. The optimal temperature for its growth is considered to be from 4 to 16 degrees. The main requirements that the pansy flower makes are the constant loosening of the earth and the removal of weeds from it. Top dressing is best done every three weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer.
There are a lot of varieties of this plant: these are both single-color and two-color groups, with an eye and without spots, tri-color, and also variegated, on which there are five dots, with corrugated petals, orchid-color, having an asymmetric addition and so on.
The pansy flower is propagated by seedlings. So that the seeds germinate well, they are planted in mid-July. They are obtained from the trihedral boxes of the plant, which crack after ripening. Collect them after they rise up on the peduncle.
Seedlings come out fifteen days after planting. Seedlings cannot stand direct sun, so they must be shaded.
Pansy flower contains essential oils and unique trace elements. Healers, who are well aware of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, widely use it in the treatment of such diseases that are associated with the secretion of the bronchi. An infusion of this violet facilitates the excretion of sputum, being an excellent expectorant and diuretic. In addition, the pansy flower is rich in such an active ingredient as violaquercetin, known for its anti-inflammatory effect. Preparations based on this plant reduce vascular permeability.
