China violet
Viola patrinii
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Pl. 3A09 — Viola patrinii
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IOverview
Overview
China violet (Viola patrinii) is a perennial plant native to regions including Amur, Buryatiya, Chita, Inner Mongolia, Irkutsk, Japan, Khabarovsk, and Korea. Known for its edible and medicinal properties, this plant thrives in moist conditions with partial sun or shade. It can be found growing in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, reaching a height of 0.2 meters. The flowers and leaves are both edible parts of the plant. Its adaptability to various soil types and its dual use as both food and medicine make it an interesting addition to gardens or foraging areas.
Quick answers
What is China violet?
China violet (Viola patrinii) is a perennial plant native to regions including Amur, Buryatiya, Chita, Inner Mongolia, Irkutsk, Japan, Khabarovsk, and Korea. Known for its edible and medicinal properties, this plant thrives in moist conditions with partial sun or shade.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
China violet thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is a perennial that grows to about 0.2 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, gardeners can use seeds or division of established plants. Harvest edible parts such as flowers and leaves for culinary uses.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow China violet for the first time
8steps
Start with planting China violet in a sunny spot and basic soil, making it easy for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
China violet seeds or young plants, small pots if starting from seed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
For seeds, sow them shallowly in small pots. For young plants, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and place it in the ground.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in partial shade if full sun is too harsh.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light to medium watering, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and flowers to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough light, and failing to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: Tea
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
16 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
16 native · 2 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 16 native· 2 introduced
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanMongoliaSouth Korea
Americas2 regions
introduced (2)Costa RicaJamaica
Broader regions
native:Yakutskiya, Sakhalin, Tuva, Amur, Buryatiya, Chita, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Kuril Is., Primorye
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
XII
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