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.
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.
Dancing Geisha, also known as the Fanleaf Violet, is an inter-specific 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.
Viola ‘dancing geisha’
(vy-OH-la)
Life Cycle: perennial
Height: 15 cm (6 inches)
Bloom Time: spring
Natural Range: probably Japan or China
Habitat: unknown
Synonyms: none
Cultivation of Viola ‘dancing geisha’:
Light: part shade to full shade
Soil: not fussy, but prefers humus rich soil
Water: average moisture
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 9
Propagation: division
