Saintpaulias are classified according to three main characteristics: flower, foliage and rosette. In this article we have collected for you the most popular varieties of violets with photos and names.
- Saintpaulia flowers are distinguished by color, shape, degree of doubleness (or number of petals) and the edge of the petal itself.
- The foliage of a flower can be ordinary or variegated, when the color of the leaves, in addition to green, contains inclusions of other colors. Also, Saintpaulia leaves vary in shape, degree of fluffiness, and type of surface.
- A rosette is a collection of leaves of a plant. It, in turn, is classified according to two criteria: size and type.
In this article we will talk in detail about each of the classification features and clearly show them in the photo.
Varieties of violets by color with description, photo and name in Russian
If you are looking for Saintpaulia with flowers of a certain color, and other characteristics are not particularly important, then in this section you will find varieties that are most in demand among violet growers.
White
This section contains 6 of the most beautiful violets with white flowers in our opinion. A detailed description of each variety with its name can be found in the photo.
- LE-Whipped cream. Saintpaulia is a standard size plant with simple green leaves. The bouquet is not pure white, but with a slightly visible pink-red border.
- EK-Wedding. The plant is a standard size with regular green leaves and a pure white bouquet.
- NK-White envy. A violet variety with a standard rosette and snow-white notched stars.
- RM-Chopin. Standard violet variety with snow-white stars. On the petals, if you look closely, you can catch a subtle pinkish tint.
- ND-Surprise. Variegated white-flowered Saintpaulia of standard size. There is a barely noticeable greenish border at the edges of the petals.
- EK-Emerald roses. Variegated white-flowered Saintpaulia of standard size. The edges of the petals are decorated with a clearly visible green border.
Pink
In this section we have collected for you 8 of the most beautiful violets with pink flowers in our opinion. A detailed description of each variety, name and name of the breeder can be found in the photo.
- LE-Dandy. A standard violet with white and pink stars with a clearly visible intermittent green rim around the edges of the petals.
- EK-Marigolds. Pink-flowered Saintpaulia with a yellow spot in the center. The rosette is standard, the foliage is dark.
- LF-Cream dessert. Saintpaulia is a standard size with a pale pink bouquet and simple green foliage.
- RS-Ice Rose. Snow-white inflorescences with a dark pink finger pattern. Standard size variety.
- RM - Sun Goddess. Standard size violet. The main tone of the fringed stars is yellow, which turns into pink towards the edges of the petals. You can also notice a green intermittent rim at the tips of the petals.
- PT-Rosita. A bright pink finger pattern on snow-white, peony-like inflorescences on light green leaves.
- LF-Daria. Pansies are a rich red-pink color. The rosette size is standard, the leaves are dark.
- LE-Isadora. A standard violet with snow-white stars, the petals are decorated with pink print and fancy purple splashes.
Blue
Our selection of Saintpaulias with blue flowers. A detailed description of each variety with the name and name of the breeder can be found in the photo.
- EK-Heavenly Creation. A bouquet of light blue stars with subtle fantasy touches on variegated foliage.
- RS-Aquamarine. Snow-white Saintpaulia with distinct blue prints. The outer petals are green.
- Rhapsodie Clementine (Holtkamp). A standard size violet with solid blue stars with wavy edges.
- EK-Blue-Eyed Russia. Standard violet with blue stars. A thin purple edge is clearly visible along the edges of the petals.
- LE-Blue Danube. Semi-miniature trailer with solid sky-colored bells.
- EK-Aphrodite. Solid stars of bright blue color.
- RM-Vasilisa. Blue-blue A/G with a distinct venous pattern.
Yellow
So far, breeders have not been able to produce pure yellow violets. This section contains varieties with yellow tints. A detailed description of each Saintpaulia with the name and name of the breeder can be found in the photo.
- Senk's Alchemy Morning Star (R. Follett/D. Senk). Solid yellow bells. Socket type – trailer, size – semi-miniature.
- LE-Oscar. Yellow roses on bright green leaves.
- EK-Golden Antelope. White stars with a lemon tint and a subtle purple eye.
- Lemon Kisses (Sorano). White buds with yellow veins on the petals.
- Golden Autumn (Sorano). Snow-white Saintpaulia with a distinct yellow eye.
- Chantaspring (RPHair). Plain lemon bells. Socket type – trailer, size – miniature.
Lilac
Our selection of Saintpaulias with lilac flowers. For an exact description of the variety by the breeder, as well as the name of the breeder, read the photo.
- LE-Esmeralda. Bright lilac bouquet with white and green border.
- NK-Eclecticism. White inflorescences with a distinct lilac finger pattern and white fancy drops.
- ND-Murano glass. Variegated leaf with lilac stars with a green border.
Reds
Our catalog of violets with red flowers. A detailed description of each variety with the name and name of the breeder can be found in the photo.
- LE-Vega. Solid dark cherry stars, almost black.
- EK-Courage. Red inflorescences with a distinct white border.
- LF-Fairy of Fire. The bouquet is dark red with a clearly visible white border.
- NK-Sofia Rotaru. A variegated violet with dark red stars, lighter in the center and almost black at the edges of the wavy petals.
- Vintage Wine (S.Sorano). Variegated leaf with monochromatic red pansies, rosette size – large standard.
- ND-Dark-skinned. Dark red inflorescences with a thin but clear white border.
- NK-Fragolino. Variegated leaf with a single-color bouquet of strawberry color.
Blue
Our TOP 6 blue-flowered violets with a detailed description of the breeder and photos.
- RS-Viscount. Blue stars with a distinct white border on dark green foliage.
- NK-Sgt. A standard-sized blue-flowered Saintpaulia with simple green foliage.
- LF-Icy rain. Blue inflorescences with a thin white border and a light pink fantasy pattern.
- ND-Crystal Swarovski. Standard size violet with blue notched stars. The main tone of the petals is blue, the additional tone is yellow, in the form of an eye, and pale pink, in the form of fancy strokes. A thin white edge is visible along the edges of the petals.
- Lyon's Little Sweetheart (S. Sorano). A dark blue bouquet with a barely noticeable white border.
- PT-Victory. A standard-sized violet with dark leaves on which fancy stars with notched edges look very beautiful. The main tone of the petals is blue, the additional tone is pink, in the form of strokes and splashes.
Purple
Saintpaulias with purple flowers with name, photo and detailed description of the breeder.
- LE-Macho. Dark purple, almost black stars with a clearly visible thin white border.
- EK-Black Pearl. Solid purple stars on dark green leaves.
- ND-Tortuga. Variegated leaf with dark purple rosettes.
- Mac's Black Pearl (G.McDonald). Dark purple, almost black A/G with a barely noticeable white border along the edge of the petals.
- Apache Magic (J.Munk). A variegated variety with dark purple pansies with a fringed white-green edge.
Single color
Flower petals are painted in one tone. For beginner violet growers, it may be a discovery that Uzambara violets come in more than just purple shades. Yes, yes, in catalogs you can find red varieties, white, pink and even green!
Vintage Wine (S.Sorano) KZ-Big Bells (Zaikina) Rhapsodie Clementine (Holtkamp) WaT-Afrika (T. Valkova)
Precious Red (H.Pittman) Ness' Snow Clouds (D.Ness)
Two-color (or Multi-color)
The petals of the flower are painted in two colors (this can be two tones of the same color or two contrasting colors). Multi-colored - more than two colors in a color.
Please note that coloring may vary. See description and examples with photos below.
Peephole
An example of such a color is the following varieties, detailed description, name and name of the breeder in the photo:
Optimara myJoy (Holtkamp) EK-Frost and the Sun (E. Korshunova) PT-Larissa (T. Pugacheva) Lyon's Spectacular (S. Sorano) LE-Jeanne (E. Lebetskaya)
Limbed
There is a rim along the edge of the petal. It can be wide or narrow, continuous or intermittent. And some varieties of violets have a double border. An example of such colors could be:
Buckeye Cranberry Sparkler (P. Hancock) Optimara Ever Precious (Holtkamp) Frozen in Time (S.Sorano) JAN-Minuet (N. Puminova) Ultra Violet Saturn (Green Circle/Blansit)
Print or finger color
In the center of each petal there is a circular spot that looks like a fingerprint. Prints can be on all petals or only on some. As an example, we give the following varieties with photos:
RS-Lingonberry Syrup (S. Repkina) RS-Duchess (S. Repkina) RS-Nightingale the Robber (S. Repkina) RS-Precision Strike (S. Repkina)
Mesh or venous coloring
On the petals you can see the so-called venous pattern. The mesh may be present on all petals, or only on some. As an example, here are the following Saintpaulia varieties with photos:
Carnival (F.Tinari) RM-Vasilisa (N.Skornyakova) Kei-Yoki (Horikoshi/Shinohara) Cinderella's Dream (A.Deikun) AN-I Love Retro (N.Andreeva)
Chimeras
The color consists of stripes in the middle of the petal, diverging from the center of the flower to its edges. Examples with photos and descriptions:
Carnation Sprinkles (P.Sorano) DS-Lavender Tale (Dimetris) Pony Ride (S.Sorano)
Rob's Fe Fi (Robinson) Firedancer (LLG)
Fantasy
The color consists of fancy patterns on the petals. These can be splashes, spots, stripes, etc. As an example, here are several varieties with fancy colors + photos:
Fisher's Leone (E.Fisher) Galactic Dancin' (S.Sorano) Rainbow's Quiet Riot (R.Wasmund) Shanson (P.Sorano) LE-Luntik (E.Lebetskaya)
Unpretentious varieties of violets
Be sure to take a closer look at these varieties of violets, especially if this is your first Saintpaulia. Experienced violet growers say that these plants are almost impossible to kill! For a full description of the variety with the name and name of the breeder, see the photo.
Arctic Frost (S. Sorano)
Arctic Frost. A snow-white bouquet of double stars with a distinct blue rim along the edges of the petals and a blue spot in the center.
Bob Serbin (J. Brownlie)
The Bob Serbin variety was registered in 1995. Red bouquet of semi-double pansies with a thin white border on the petals.
Crystal Plum (F. Tinari)
The Crystal Plum variety (Russian name Crystal Plum) was registered in 1987. A snow-white bouquet of single and semi-double pansies with a fringed blue-violet edge and a distinct eye.
Emerald Lace (J. Swift)
Variety Emerald Lace (Russian name Emerald Lace). A rich purple bouquet of double A/G flowers with a fringed green edge.
Funambule (N. Robitaille/D. Croteau)
The variety Funambule (Russian name Rope Walker) was registered in 2006. An unpretentious variegated foliage, dark green foliage with pink splashes. A fantasy bouquet of single and semi-double purple A/G with white and pink touches.
Golden Autumn (LLG/Sorano)
Variety Golden Otm (Russian name Golden Autumn). A snow-white bouquet of stars with wavy, strongly rolled edges and a distinct yellow eye.
Reflections of Spring (P.Sorano/LLG)
The variety Reflection of Spring (Russian name Reflection of Spring) was registered in 2008. Standard Saintpaulia with a bouquet of double blue-gray stars with a green border.
Rhapsodie Cora (Holtkamp)
Rhapsody Kora (Russian name Rhapsody Kora) was registered in 2001. Standard Saintpaulia with a bouquet of single and semi-double snow-white A/G flowers with a blue spot on each petal (finger-colored violet).
Blue Fog (Morev)
The variety was registered in 2001. A standard-sized violet with dark foliage is decorated with large double snow-white stars. The blue finger pattern is clearly visible on each petal.
EK-Ocean
The variety was registered in 2004. The standard size violet is decorated with simple large blue and white stars with a wavy edge.
Blue Boy (Armacost & Royston)
The Blue Boy variety (Russian name: Blue Boy) was registered in 1948. A very simple but no less beautiful violet. Rich blue pansies on light green foliage.
Enchanted April (S.Sorano)
Inchanted April (Russian name Enchanted April). Variegated violet with white edges on the foliage. A snow-white bouquet of single and semi-double A/Gs with a slightly smeared pink border. In the center and along the edges of the petals you can see green blotches.
Ambiance (J. Gehr)
Ambience (Russian name Atmosphere). Pink-yellow bouquet of single and semi-double stars, the color of the flower is darker in the center and lighter towards the edges of the petals. The size of the socket is large standard.
Blue Dragon (LLG/P. Sorano)
Blue Dragon (Blue Dragon) registered in 2005. Saintpaulia with a bouquet of double stars with a fringed edge of a delicate blue color with a thin red-violet edge. Size – large standard.
Vologda lace (Makuni)
Or In Memory of Tanya Makuni - the second name of the variety. A snow-white bouquet of very large semi-double stars with a wavy edge.
Larisa (Makuni)
Delicate pink bouquet of double stars with an intermittent white-green border on fringed petals. The violet is two-tone: darker in the center and lighter towards the edges.
Classification of domestic violets by flower
So, as noted earlier, violet flowers are characterized by size, shape, number of petals (or degree of doubleness) and petal edge. Let's look at each concept in more detail.
By flower size
Small-flowered
The flower does not exceed 2 cm in diameter.
Medium flowered
The diameter of the flower is 2-4 cm.
Large-flowered
The size of the flower in diameter varies from 4 to 6 cm.
Particularly large-flowered
The diameter of the flower starts from 6 cm.
According to the shape of flowers
Pansies
The classic shape of a violet flower: five petals, the top two slightly smaller than the rest.
Examples with photos:
Blue Boy (Armacost & Royston) RM-Vasilisa (N.Skornyakova) Vintage Wine (S.Sorano) Mac's Black Pearl (G.McDonald) Apache Magic (J.Munk)
Star
The shape of the flower resembles a five-pointed star with rays of the same size.
The rays can be sharp or rounded. Examples with photos:
Frozen in Time (S.Sorano) Blue Fog (Morev) ND-Murano Glass (Danilova-Suvorova) ND-Swarovski Crystal (Danilova-Suvorova) Rhapsodie Clementine (Holtkamp)
Bell
Well, everything seems to be clear here - the shape looks like a bell.
Examples with photos:
LE-Blue Danube (E.Lebetskaya) Chantaspring (RPHair) Flashy Trail (H.Pittman) Precious Pixie (S.Sorano)
Bowl
The petals of the flower seem to be fused and the bud does not open completely, as, for example, in a pansy, thereby forming a shape similar to a bowl.
It is also called round. Examples with photos:
NK-March of Mendelssohn (N. Kozak) EL-Full Bowl (E. Lebetskaya)
Ming Dynasty (I.Fredette)
Wasp
The most unusual and easily recognizable flower shape.
The petals are narrow and tucked at the edges. In general, if you look closely, the flower really looks like a wasp. Examples with names and photos:
Mac's Searing Stinger (G.McDonald) Lunar Lily white Luverly Wasp (J.Dates)
According to the degree of flower terry
All of the above forms of Saintpaulia flowers may differ from each other in the number of petals or the degree of terryness.
Note! One violet may contain two types of flowers at once, for example, simple and semi-double or semi-double and double.
Simple
Thus, a simple flower is characterized by five petals arranged in one row. Below are the names and photos of the most prominent representatives:
Optimara My Desire (Holtkamp) Rob's Monkeyshines (R. Robinson) Rob's Boolaroo (R. Robinson) Sensational Sandra (Ray)
Scallops
Five petals in one row + 2-3 underdeveloped petals in the second row. Examples with photos:
EK-Wedding of the Stars (E. Korshunova) Saint Valentine (Makuni)
Serezha (Makuni) Rada's Dream (Makuni)
Semi-double
Semi-double flowers consist of 2 full rows of petals. Examples with photos:
Ness' Viking Maiden (D. Ness)
LiK-Bazhena (G.Lazarenko) Forest Magic (Makuni) Precious Red (H.Pittman)
Terry
More than 2 rows of petals. Below are some of the most prominent representatives with photos:
Banker (Makuni) Your Majesty (Makuni) Jolly Orchid (H.Pittman) Sweetie (Makuni)
Carnations
As a rule, the term “carnations” is practically not used in the description. Instead, “very terry” or “densely terry” are used. Below are the most prominent representatives with names and photos:
LF-Cream dessert (L. Fedoseeva)
AV-Etalon (Violetkovod)
ND-Tortuga (Danilova-Suvorova) Dn-November Rain (D. Denisenko)
LF-May peonies (L. Fedoseeva)
Along the edge of the petal
The shape of a Saintpaulia flower is also characterized by the edge of the petal. It can be wavy, notched or fringed.
Wavy
Violets with wavy petals: names and photos of typical representatives:
Rhapsodie Cora (Holtkamp) Blue Fog (Morev) Vologda lace (Makuni) EK-Ocean (E. Korshunova) Buckeye Nostalgia (P. Hancock)
Sinuate
Saintpaulias with notched petals:
LE-Rainbow highlights (E.Lebetskaya) Buckeye Music Box (Hancock) Midnight Wave (G.Boone) EK-Dancing Flame (E.Korshunova) RS-Golden luxury (S.Repkina)
Fringed
Prominent representatives are:
Crystal Plum (F.Tinari) Larisa (Makuni) Blue Dragon (LLG / P.Sorano)
Emerald Lace (J.Swift)
Features of home care
Terry violets generally require the same care as other members of the violet genus. The biggest feature of the sponge is its strict adherence to the light regime.
Content Basics
Terry violets are recommended to be stored in rooms or greenhouses with air humidity of at least 60-80%. At the same time, do not forget:
- Regular watering;
- And fertilize the plant with specialized preparations.
Preventive measures against pests
To avoid infestation by harmful insects, the leaves should be sprayed and cleaned regularly. In addition, it is necessary to periodically replant the flower and get rid of limp leaves and dry inflorescences.
Classification of indoor violets by rosette
As noted at the beginning of the article, the outlet is characterized by size and type. Let's figure it out.
According to socket size
Based on size, violets are divided into 5 groups: micromini, mini, semi-mini, standard and large standard.
Micromini
The tiniest ones. The size of the rosette of an adult flower does not exceed 10 cm. They are also called microminiatures. Symbol – mM (from the English Microminiature).
Mini
Miniature Saintpaulias do not exceed 10-15 cm in size (meaning an adult plant). Symbol – M (from the English Miniature).
Semimini
The size of the rosette of a semi-miniature violet varies between 15-20 cm. Symbol - SM (from English Semiminiature)
Standard
The size of a standard violet in diameter does not exceed 20-40 cm. Symbol - S (from the English Standard).
Large standard
The rosette of large standard violets is up to 40 cm in diameter. The designation “large standard” is acceptable. Conventionally designated L (from the English Large).
By socket type
Regular
Classic rosette shape with symmetrical arrangement of sheets.
Trailer
A trailer plant has several growing points. Trailers, in turn, are divided into canopy and cluster trailers.
Ampel trailers
The plant has an elongated stem that hangs over the edge of the pot.
Photos of overhead trailers with the name:
AN-Madame Rocha (N.Andreeva) Ramblin Peach (S.Sorano) 23-Irtysh River (Ya.Zubo) Milky Way Trail (J.Stahl) AN-Ivy League (N.Andreeva)
Bush trailers
The rosette of the plant is ordinary, but it bushes very strongly, growing lateral branches.
Photos of bush trailers with names:
Carousel Pony (S.Sorano)
Dresden Doll (Harris) Demer`s Pixie Belle (Demers) Flashy Trail (H.Pittman) Hot Pink Bells (Harris)
Chantaspring (RPHair)
Care Tips
Saintpaulias prefer small containers. For a standard pot, a pot with a diameter of 8 cm is suitable; a semi-standard one will feel good in a 6-7 cm pot. If you assemble a larger pot, nothing bad will happen, but such a plant will bloom much later.
Saintpaulias need light soil that allows air to pass through, otherwise the roots will begin to rot.
To achieve good results, the following conditions must be met:
- diffused light;
- absence of drafts;
- proper watering;
- regular feeding.
Variegated violets
Let us remind you that, depending on the foliage, violets are simple, when the color of the leaves contains only green, and variegated, when the color contains inclusions of other colors in addition to green. In this section we present 10 of the most beautiful, in our opinion, variegated varieties of violets with names and photos.
Rebel's Valiant (R. Bann)
Rebbles Valiant (Russian name Brave). A variety with bordering variegated leaves of cream color. The tone of the bouquet is dark blue, the shape is semi-double and double stars with notched petals. Size – large standard.
Alamo Gold Rush (H. Pittman)
Alamo Gold Rush (Russian name: Alamo Gold Rush). The foliage is dark green with pink and copper splashes. The main tone of the bouquet is golden, pink is also barely noticeable.
Ness' Orange Pekoe (D. Ness)
Orange Peco. A variegated variety with pale pink splashes on dark foliage. The tone of the bouquet is pale pink-orange, the shape is semi-double and double pansies. Size – large standard.
Impostor (K. Stork)
Impaste (Russian name: Impostor). A variegated variety with cream spots on dark foliage. On a standard rosette, rounded purple stars look great, the edges of the petals are decorated with a thin white border. There are terry and semi-double specimens.
Vintage Wine (S. Sorano)
Vintage wine (Russian name Vintage wine). A variegated variety with pink and yellow-brown splashes on dark leaves. The large rosette is decorated with single and semi-double burgundy notched pansies.
Winter Ice (S. Sorano)
Winter Ice (Russian name: Winter Ice). The foliage is green with white splashes. The bouquet is snow-white pansies with a bright blue rim around the edge.
Midnight Romance (S. Sorano)
Midnight Romance (Russian title: Midnight Romance). A variegated variety with white patches on green leaves. Bouquet – rich blue semi-double A/G with a thin white rim along the wavy edge. Size – large standard.
EK-Cintz Wedding
Variegated variety with pink spots on the leaves. The standard size rosette is decorated with fancy stars. The main tone of the petals is lilac-blue, the additional tone is blue, in the form of strokes, and pink, in the form of spots.
Buckeye Boysenberry (P. Hancock)
Buckeye Boysenberry (Russian name: Ohio Ezhmalina or Ohio Boysenberry). A variegated variety with cream flecks on dark green leaves. On a large rosette there are single-color purple stars with wavy edges, simple and semi-double.
Enchanted April (S.Sorano)
Inchanted April (Russian name Enchanted April). Snow-white A/G with a barely noticeable pink and greenish border, semi-double with a wavy edge. The variety is variegated, with white splashes on green foliage.
TOP 10 most beautiful homemade violets
The list of the most beautiful violets in our article is compiled based on the AVSA’s (African Violet Society of America) Best Varieties List for 2022 rating. In total, the rating includes 25 varieties of Uzambara violets; you can see the full list by following the link. A detailed description of each variety, name and name of the breeder can be found in the photo.
Buckeye Cranberry Sparkler (P. Hancock)
Buckeye Cranberry Sparkle (Russian name for Ohio Cranberry Sparkler). A variegated variety with cream flecks on dark green foliage. A large rosette contains fancy A/Gs with a clear pink border. The main tone of the petals is pale pink, the additional tone is rich pink in the form of dots and borders.
Ness' Crinkle Blue (D. Ness)
Ness Crinkle Blue (Blue folds). Semi-miniature variety with rich blue double stars. Along the edges of the petals you can see a thin white border.
Precious Red (H. Pittman)
Precious Red (Russian name Precious Red). Semi-double and double dark red pansies on dark green foliage. Size – miniature.
Jolly Orchid (H. Pittman)
Jolie Okid (Russian name Cheerful Orchid). Miniature Saintpaulia with simple green leaves. Snow-white A/G with a lilac spot in the center.
Picasso (M. Tremblay)
Picasso. On variegated foliage with white splashes there is a blue and white bouquet of double pansies. Sometimes you can see a chimeric pattern in the form of darker stripes diverging from the center to the edges of the petals.
Buckeye Seductress (P. Hancock)
Bakai Sidactris (Russian name: Ohio Seductress). A variegated variety with creamy spots on the leaves. On a large rosette there is a chic cap of semi-double and double lavender stars. Along the edges of the petals you can see a double border: wide white and barely noticeable pale green.
Blue Dragon (L. Lyon Greenhouses/P. Sorano)
Blue Dragon (Russian name Blue Dragon). Another beauty, a variety with delicate blue semi-double and double stars with a fringed edge. Along the edges of the petals there is a thin red-violet edging, and in cool conditions a pale green edging may also appear. Size – large standard.
Rob's Boularoo (R. Robinson)
Robs Bularu. Semi-miniature hanging trailer with a bouquet of fancy pansies. The main tone is pale pink, with blue strokes and drops.
Buckeye Nostalgia (P. Hancock)
Buckeye Nostalgia (Russian name Nostalgia for Ohio). Variegated variety with cream-colored foliage. The bouquet consists of single and semi-double Pansies with a wavy edge of pale blue color.
Frozen in Time (S. Sorano)
Frozen in time (Russian name Frozen in time). A variegated variety with ivory edges on green leaves. The snow-white stars are decorated with a green border and a blue spot in the center. The bouquet is presented with simple and semi-double stars. Simple and semi-double stars with a green rim on variegated foliage. Variegation is edging.
The history of the flower
It’s quite difficult to even name the homeland of violets.
It grows in Japan, North America, Australia and New Zealand. But it came to Europe from the shores of East Africa.
According to one of the stories about violets, the commandant of German East Africa, Adalbert von Saint-Paul, was walking in the Usambara Mountains with his bride.
She noticed an inconspicuous purple flower between the stones, which had an unsurpassed aroma.
By a lucky coincidence, the commandant’s father was the president of the German Dendrological Society, Ulrich Saint-Paul, to whom the seeds of a flower were sent, “which glows with pale blue fire,” as Adalbert wrote about him in his diaries.
The discoverer's father gave them to the botanist Hermann Wenland, who confirmed that it was a new flower and named it "Saintpaulia" in honor of Adalbert von Saint-Paul.
Violet conquered Europe already at the first exhibition, which was held in Belgium, and at the beginning of the twentieth century, the conquest of the United States began, where a specialized society was opened that was engaged in breeding new varieties of the flower.
Note ! Violet growing wild was familiar back in ancient Greece, where myths and legends were composed about it. But it gained real popularity only in the 19th century.
To date, botanists have managed to develop several thousand varieties of color, despite the fact that initially about 20 species were known.
Rare varieties of violets
Rare varieties are a flexible concept. Experienced violet growers classify rare varieties of violets as rather retro varieties, i.e. well-forgotten old ones that you don’t often see at exhibitions. It is almost impossible to find whimsical Saintpaulias or various kinds of “perversions” at exhibitions.
So, our selection of rare varieties of Uzambara violets with photos (we duplicate the names of varieties of foreign selection in Russian + approximate translation):
Blakha-Mukha (Makuni)
A violet with a standard dark green rosette, on which semi-double wasps flaunt with notched edges of a dark red, almost burgundy color.
Vintage Lace (Lyon)
Vintage Lace (Russian name Vintage lace). Violet with a standard variegated rosette, multi-colored variegation. The bouquet consists of simple chimeric stars with a venous pattern. The main tone of the petals is light pink, the chimeric stripes are purple, the venous network is blue-violet.
Banker (Makuni)
A standard-sized violet with a bouquet of double stars with a wavy edge in a rich blue color. The edges of the petals are decorated with a thin white edging.
Optimara Trinidad (Holtkamp)
Trinidad. Standard violet with a bouquet of single and semi-double pansies with wavy edges. The main tone of the petals is soft blue, the edges of the outer petals are decorated with dark purple markings.
Your Majesty (Makuni)
Violet with a standard light green rosette and a pink bouquet of densely double stars with a fringed edge.
Granger's Carnival (Eyerdom)
Grangers Carnival (Russian name: Granger's Carnival). Violet with a large rosette and a rich purple bouquet of simple pansies with a venous pattern. The tone of the two upper petals is white, with a distinct purple mesh; on the lower petals the venous pattern is less distinct.
Irish Whisper (S. Sorano)
Irish Whisper (Russian name Irish Whisper). A large violet with a bouquet of single and semi-double stars of pale pink color. At the edges of the petals you can see a double border: a wider one of beige color and a thinner one of green color.
Bob's Omega (R. Anderson)
Bobs Omega (Russian name Omega). A standard-sized violet with chimera stars (on the dark pink petals white stripes diverging towards the edges are clearly visible).
Sweetie (Makuni)
A standard-sized violet with very double stars with a wavy edge and a thin white edge.
Ness' Viking Maiden (D. Ness)
Viking Meydn (Viking Maiden). Standard Saintpaulia with a snow-white bouquet of semi-double pansies with a notched edge.
Ultraviolet Saturn (Green Circle/B.Johnson)
Many people prefer purple coloring of violets. Among these flowers, the Ultra Violet Saturn violet is very popular . With all its nuances:
- Single and semi-double white pansies. Only 3-4 cm in diameter;
- With a corrugated border along the wavy edges of the petals. Cherry red color. Wide;
- Light green oval leaves;
Advice! It’s better to shape it like a mini (16-18 cm).
- Each new bloom may produce a different color of the petals. With many options of white and red. And even become completely crimson. The variety is very prone to darkening;
- They bloom beautifully - in a cap thanks to the strong peduncles.
Important! To preserve the variety, it often needs to be grown from the leaf. And with light cuttings.
Varieties from different breeders
Violets are classified not only by the external characteristics of the plant, but also by the breeder. Varieties of both foreign and domestic selection are popular.
Violet grower - AB
You can recognize the breeder's other flowers by the AB prefix in the name of the violet. Names and photos of the most popular:
Ecstasy
Bohemia Luxury Mother's Heart Little Frog
Korshunova Elena – EK
You can recognize the breeder's other plants by the prefix EK in the name of the violet. Korshunova’s most favorite flowers with photos and names:
Love Sea Wolf Snow and Sky
Heat Wedding
Lebetskaya Elena – LE
You can recognize the breeder’s other varieties by the prefix LE in the name of Saintpaulia. The most popular Lebetskaya violets with name and photo:
Kira Dendi Zlata Oksana Chernika
Repkina Svetlana – RS
You can recognize the breeder’s other varieties by the RS prefix in the name of the violet. Names and photos of Repkina’s most beloved violet growers:
Miracle Duchess Metagalaxy Aquamarine
Don Juan
Makuni
In my personal opinion, all varieties of Boris Mikhailovich are beautiful! But in this article we present only the 5 most famous ones with names and photos:
Your Majesty
Beloved Daughter Winter Smiles
Sweetie Tatyana's Day
Makuni varieties are signed with the author's surname in brackets at the end of the name of the violet.
Sorano
The most popular Sorano violets in the post-Soviet space with name and photo:
Golden Autumn Pink dove Strawberry fields Persian lace Warm sunshine
Sorano varieties are signed with the author's surname in brackets at the end of the name of the violet.
Morev
Of the Morev varieties, I would especially like to note the following (name + photo):
Wedding bouquet Amadeus
Blueberry dessert Dushechka Summer twilight
Moreva varieties are signed with the author's surname in brackets at the end of the name of the violet.
Fedoseeva Liliya – LF
You can recognize the breeder's other flowers by the prefix LF in the name of the violet. Most often searched for:
Daria Fairy of Fire My Love Cream Dessert Apple Marshmallow
Valkova Tatyana – VaT
You can recognize the breeder’s other plants by the prefix BaT in the name of the violet. Below are the names and photos of the most popular varieties of Valkova Tatyana:
Curly Princess Peony Amazon Africa
Pulsar
Natalya Kozak – NK
You can recognize other varieties of Natalia by the prefix NK in the name of the violet. Names and photos of the most popular Saintpaulias Kozak:
Lilon Leela Eternal Youth
Happiness Is Duc de Richelieu
Blue whale
Denisenko Dmitry – Dn
All Dmitry's flowers are designated by the prefix Dn in the name of the violet. Below are the names and photos of the most popular Denisenko varieties.
Young Frenchwoman Rozheva Konvaliya Macabeo (Makabeo) Illumination Magic of the Sky
Puminova Natalya - YAN
You can recognize Natalia's other flowers by the prefix YAN in the name of the violet. The most popular Saintpaulia Puminova with names and photos:
Minuet Caprice Katyusha Elegant
Pasha
Dadoyan Tatyana
Fairy Marquise Dark Night Eva Grinya
Tatiana Dadoyan's varieties are signed with the author's surname in brackets at the end of the name of the violet.
Pugacheva Tatyana – PT
Tatyana Pugacheva's flowers are designated by the prefix PT in the name violet. Photos of the most popular Saintpaulias bred by Pugacheva:
Larisa
Julia Katerina Elizaveta Charlize
Natalya Skornyakova – RM
Other flowers of Natalia Skornyakova can be recognized by the prefix RM in the name of violet.
Sun Goddess Francesca Pavlina Vasilisa Salome
Natalya Danilova-Suvorova – ND
Violets Natalya Danilova are designated by the prefix ND in the name of the flower. Particularly popular are:
Sage Asgard Quasar Ural Gems
Tortuga
R.Robinson – Rob's
You can recognize the author's varieties by the prefix Rob's in the name of each violet. Most popular:
Vanilla Trail (Vanilla trail or Vanilla trailer)
Cool Fruit Boolaroo Zipper Zapper Antique Rose
G.McDonald – Mac's
G.McDonald selection varieties can be recognized by the Mac's prefix in the name of the flower. TOP 5 most popular:
Scorching Sun Black Pearl
Tiamat Momentary Meltdown
Black Uhuru (Black Uhuru)
Optimara
My Love Little Moonstone Ever Precious
Millenia (Millennium) My Dream (My Dream)
D.Ness – Ness'
Varieties of the D.Ness selection are indicated by the author's surname in the possessive case (Ness') at the beginning of the flower name. TOP 5 most popular:
Orange Pekoe Crinkle Blue Satin Rose
Antique Red Blueberry puff
Original retro varieties of Saintpaulia
Among the entire variety of violets of the retro group, you can choose the most outstanding varieties for the collection based on various distinctive features:
- according to the color of the corollas - “Echo of the Carnival” (S.I. Prilutskaya);
- according to the shape of the flower - “Lituanica” (F.K. Butene) - the corollas resemble rose flowers in a reduced size;
- according to the doubleness of the flowers and the splendor of the cap - “Your Majesty” (B.M. Makuni);
- by leaf color - “Black Cat” (N.N. Shiryaeva) - variegated violet.
