Black pansy Viola 'Molly Sanderson' (Va)
ABOUT
Viola 'Molly Sanderson' is a charming plant known for its striking flowers, which are a centerpiece of its appearance. The blooms present a deep, velvety black hue, an uncommon color in the plant world, which makes it a unique and captivating addition to gardens. The petals of these flowers are slightly curved with delicate edges, contributing to their visual allure. The foliage of this plant is also noteworthy, featuring heart-shaped leaves that provide a lush, green backdrop to the dramatic flowers. The leaves have a soft and somewhat ruffled texture with a glossy finish that reflects light, adding to the plant's overall vibrancy. The flowers feature yellow centers, creating a striking contrast against the black petals and enhancing the sophisticated and bold statement that this plant makes in any setting. The combination of its dark flowers and vivid green leaves allows 'Molly Sanderson' to stand out remarkably among other plants, which often makes it a sought-after variety for those looking to add a touch of the unique to their garden palette.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Violaceae
Synonyms
Molly Sanderson Viola, Black Viola, Black Violet
Common names
Viola 'Molly Sanderson'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Molly Sanderson viola is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. Therefore, ingesting parts of this plant typically does not lead to poisoning or harmful symptoms.
To pets
Molly Sanderson viola is also typically non-toxic to pets. Ingesting this plant should not cause serious harm or poisoning in pets such as dogs or cats. However, as with any plant, individual animals might have varying sensitivities, and consuming large amounts could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Black
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Viola 'Molly Sanderson', commonly known as Johnny Jump Up, adds striking beauty to gardens with its deep purple, almost black flowers that can complement a variety of garden designs.
- Attracts Pollinators: Johnny Jump Ups attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, which help in the pollination of nearby plants.
- Extended Blooming Season: They have a long flowering period from spring to fall, providing continuous color in the garden.
- Edible Flowers: The flowers of Johnny Jump Ups are edible and can be used to add a pop of color and subtle flavor to salads, desserts, and drinks.
- Low Maintenance: They are known for being low maintenance, requiring minimal care to thrive, making them ideal for beginner gardeners or those with limited time.
- Adaptability: Johnny Jump Ups are adaptable to a range of conditions, able to grow in full sun to partial shade and in various soil types.
- Ground Cover: With their spreading habit, they can form a beautiful ground cover, filling in spaces and suppressing weeds naturally.
- Container Gardening: They are suitable for container gardening, allowing those with limited space such as balconies or patios to enjoy their beauty.
- Cold Tolerance: Johnny Jump Ups are cold tolerant, often one of the first flowers to bloom in early spring, even in cold weather climates.
- Companion Planting: They are beneficial for companion planting, deterring certain pests from nearby vegetables and ornamentals.
- Re-seeding: These plants often self-seed, providing new plants the following season with little effort on the part of the gardener.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Flowers: Molly Sanderson flowers can be used to decorate desserts or salads, adding a splash of color and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Natural Dye: The deep purple-black petals of Molly Sanderson can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics or paper crafts.
- Fragrance Source: Its subtle scent can be used to infuse oils or waters for a natural, floral fragrance in homemade cosmetics or room sprays.
- Photography Subject: Because of its striking color, Molly Sanderson can be an excellent subject for botanical photography and art projects.
- Culinary Garnish: Whole Molly Sanderson flowers can be frozen in ice cubes to create visually stunning additions to beverages.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried petals of Molly Sanderson can serve as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations to minimize environmental impact.
- Floral Crafts: The vibrant petals of Molly Sanderson can be incorporated into pressed flower art, bookmarks, or greeting cards.
- Companion Planting: Molly Sanderson can be planted alongside vegetables like lettuce as it may help deter pests with its scent.
- Teaching Tool: This plant can be used in educational settings to discuss pollination as it attracts bees and butterflies.
- Literary Inspiration: The unique color and appearance of Molly Sanderson can be a source of inspiration for writers seeking to add vivid imagery to their work.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Thoughtfulness and Remembrance: The Viola, commonly known as the pansy, is associated with thoughtfulness and remembrance. The 'Molly Sanderson' variety with its dark, almost black flowers, can represent memories that are deep and enduring.
- Love and Admiration: Pansies in general are often given as a symbol of love or admiration. The intense dark hues of 'Molly Sanderson' can signify a strong, passionate love.
- Free-thinking: The pansy is also linked to free-thinking and the ability to reflect, with the name "pansy" being derived from the French word "pensée," meaning "thought."
- Funerals and Mourning: Due to its dark color, 'Molly Sanderson' can be used in floral arrangements at funerals to symbolize mourning or to honor the memory of a departed loved one.
- Hope and Solace in Sadness: While it represents mourning, the pansy can also provide comfort, suggesting hope and the presence of loved ones in times of sadness.
WaterJohnny Jump Ups need to be watered regularly but are somewhat drought-tolerant. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. During active growth in the spring and fall, water them with about 1 gallon per square yard per week, adjusting for rainfall. In the hot summer months, you may need to increase watering frequency. Use a watering can or hose to water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote disease.
LightJohnny Jump Ups thrive best in full sun to partial shade. They prefer a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. However, in hotter climates, they will benefit from some afternoon shade to protect them from the intense heat of the day.
TemperatureJohnny Jump Ups prefer cooler temperatures and can survive a frost, generally managing in environments where temperatures range between 40°F and 70°F. They can survive minimum temperatures as low as 25°F and maximum temperatures around 80°F, but the ideal temperature range is between 40°F and 65°F for optimal growth.
PruningJohnny Jump Ups require little pruning, but deadheading or removing spent flowers encourages more blooms and extends the flowering period. Prune to remove damaged or diseased foliage, and thin out overcrowded plants in early spring or fall to maintain good air circulation. Regular deadheading can be done throughout the blooming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Black pansy (Viola 'Molly Sanderson') should be well-drained, humus-rich, and it can range from slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0), with a combination of loamy soil, peat, and perlite or sand added for improved drainage.
RepottingBlack pansy (Viola 'Molly Sanderson') generally does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted once every 1-2 years as they are relatively low-maintenance perennials, but annuals in colder regions.
Humidity & MistingBlack pansy (Viola 'Molly Sanderson') thrives in average humidity conditions; they do not require special humidity requirements beyond what is generally present outdoors or in a typical home environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep moist.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade, enrich soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleViola 'Molly Sanderson', commonly known as Molly Sanderson pansy, begins its life cycle as a seed, which requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy and germinate more successfully. Once conditions are favorable, typically in spring or autumn, the seed germinates, and a small seedling emerges, developing true leaves characteristic of the pansy. The plant grows and matures, forming a compact habit with heart-shaped leaves and producing distinctive black flowers with a small yellow eye at the center. Throughout its growing season, Molly Sanderson pansy will continuously bloom, particularly if spent flowers are deadheaded to encourage further flowering. As an herbaceous perennial in suitable climates or an annual in colder regions, the plant completes its life cycle by setting seed again before dying back during unfavorable conditions. Depending on the climate, Molly Sanderson pansy may self-seed or require human intervention for propagation to continue its life cycle in subsequent growing seasons.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Viola 'Molly Sanderson', commonly known as Molly Sanderson Pansy, is often propagated by seed. The best time to sow pansy seeds is late winter to early spring for flowering in the same year, or during summer for blooms in the following spring. Seeds are sown in trays filled with a seed starting mix or well-drained soil, lightly covered with fine soil, and kept moist until germination, which takes approximately 1 to 2 weeks at 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius). Seedlings are then thinned and transplanted into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. The pansy plants will be ready to plant out in the garden once they have developed several true leaves and after the danger of frost has passed.
