Plant DetailShow Menu

German Violet Exacum affine

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
EKS-uh-kum uh-FEE-nee
Description

Persian Violet is a short-lived perennial, more commonly grown outside as an annual in tropical climates, that is native to Yemen. It can be grown as a permanent outdoor plant only in humid tropical or subtropical environments.This foot high plant displays shiny green foliage and very attractive blue to deep purple flowers for an extended bloom season. The genus name is a variant of the Gallic name exacon for centaurium transferred to this genus.The species name means related to or similar.

Persian Violet does well in well-drained, but moist, soil in partial shade. It does not tolerate direct sun. When grown outdoors, it also requires warm nighttime temperatures of 60° to 70°F. In its native zones, Persian Violet is often grown outdoors as a bedding plant or ground cover. Otherwise, it is more commonly grown as a potted plant.

It is more often grown as a potted plant in well-drained, moist potting soil. The plant will flower for an extended period, but is very difficult to keep growing after flowering; however cuttings can be taken and successfully replanted. The fragrant flowers will densely clothe this plant if it is grown under the proper cultural conditions.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

As an outdoor plant, there are no serious diseases or insect pests. It is susceptible to most of the problems common to indoor plants.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#fragrant flowers#purple flowers#tropical perennials#tender perennials#warm climates#potted#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#annual
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#fragrant flowers#purple flowers#tropical perennials#tender perennials#warm climates#potted#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#annual
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Exacum
    Species:
    affine
    Family:
    Gentianaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Root Cutting
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Yemen, Oman
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Habit/Form:
    Rounded
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Description:
    Blossom color ranges from blue to deep purple with bright yellow pollen masses in their centers.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    The tiny ovate leaves densely cover the stems.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Specimen