(vy-OH-la)

General Information:

Violets are darling little plants for the spring garden, but some are little devils that seed all over the place and become a weed. Viola ‘Dancing Geisha’ is not a devil. I find no seedlings in my garden.

Viola  ‘Dancing Geisha', photo by Robert Pavlis

This Japanese violet has foliage unlike any other violet. The plant forms nice tight clumps that are showy all summer long. The leaves are maple-shaped with streaks of green, pewter and silver. The flowers are larger and rounder in shape than most North American violets. All of the flowers open at the same time providing an exceptional pinkish display.

This is a small plant that makes a great edging in a perennial bed or a great addition to the rock garden.

Viola  ‘Dancing Geisha', photo by Robert Pavlis

Dancing Geisha, also known as the Fanleaf Violet, is an interspecific hybrid. The Japanese have been breeding violets for a long time and I suspect this plant is a result of that work. I found no reference for the actual parents of this clone.

Life Cycle: perennial

Height: 15cm (6inches)

Bloom Time: spring

Natural Range: probably Japan or China

Habitat: unknown

Synonyms: none

Cultivation:

Light: part shade to full shade 

Soil: not fussy, but prefers humus rich soil

Water: average moisture

USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9

Propagation: division

Seedex availability (ORG&HPS annual Seed Exchange): no