33 Secret Facts About Violets and Primroses That Will Surprise You

Facts About Violets

• Violets were the symbol of royalty; the color purple is still seen as a symbol of respect
• The smell of violets disappears only a few moments after getting the first whiff. This is because the ionone compound responsible for their fragrance temporarily blocks your ability to smell them.
• Violets were a symbol of the love between Napoleon Bonaparte and his first wife, Empress Josephine. He also made it the signature flower of his party, earning him the nickname Caporal Violette (“Corporal Violet”).
• According to Greek mythology, the violet was born from one of Artemis’ nymphs, who was being followed by her twin brother, was magically transformed into a violet and in turn, became a symbol of modesty.
• Violet tattoos are becoming more and more prominent
• Violets signify faithfulness and loyalty and when gifted they allow the bearer to give the receiver a promise of their fidelity and that they will always be true.
• Although purple varieties of this flower are the most common, they could also be blue, white, reddish, and yellow. Violets may also sometimes have a mix of different colors.
• There are over 500 species of violets including the not-to-distant pansies, a related hybrid plant with similar petal coloring.
• Ants carry mature violet seeds away, helping to establish fresh sprouts far from the parent plant. The ants are drawn by chemicals on the fleshy part of the seeds called elaiosome.
• Violets are one of the most popular flowers used in perfumes
• Around for hundreds of centuries, this purple-hued flower was first cultivated by the Greeks around 500 BC.
• The leaves and flowers of violets are edible, with a slightly sweet flavor that elevates dishes like puddings. But don’t try to consume the roots and seeds of the plant, as they contain potentially harmful compounds.
• Three US states, Illinois, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, have violets as their official state symbol. Wisconsin also uses another variety, the wood violet, as its state flower.
• Legend states that St. Valentine crushed these purple flowers to make ink to write letters to his followers while imprisoned. Therefore, violets were the original symbol of Valentine’s Day before roses took over.
• With bright coloring and fragile petals, the violet was often used during medieval times by herbalists seeking healing properties - in addition to sweetening wine.
• Dipictured in countless religious works of art - religious and non - the violet has evolved to portray spiritual wisdom in addition to faithfulness and humility.
• In the early 20th century, New York’s Hudson Valley was dubbed the violet capital of the world. It housed hundreds of greenhouses that catered to the booming violet farming industry.

Facts About Primroses

• Primroses belong to the large Primula genus in the Primulacae family, which contains about 600 flower species.
• An old legend from England states that eating primrose will help you see fairies. And putting these flowers on your doorstep would get you a fairy’s blessings.
• One side of the Austrian 5 euro cent coin features a primrose stalk, representing the country’s dedication to preserving the environment.
• Primrose Hill is a famous spot in England
• Primroses are sold during Valentine’s Day
• During the Victorian era, primroses were the symbol of young love. Giving this flower to your love interest was a way to say you couldn’t live without them.
• Primroses were the flowers of love during the Middle Ages and were believed to be vital for making love potions.
• Primrose flowers and young leaves are usually sweet and safe to eat, but old leaves taste bitter. Be warned never to feed this plant to your dogs, cats, and even horses, as it’s toxic to them.
• April 19 every year is Primrose Day, a British holiday in remembrance of the former prime minister, Benjamin Disraeli. After his death, Queen Victoria sent a primrose wreath to his funeral as they were his favorite.
• Primrose Day is observed in the United Kingdom each year on April 19 to commemorate the death of British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, who had a fondness for the flower.
• Primrose flowers can be blue, yellow, purple, red, white, pink, and orange. Some plants may also feature a blend of two different colors.
• In the popular young adult series “The Hunger Games,” the younger sister of main character Katniss Everdeen is named Primrose Everdeen. She is named after the evening primrose, a flower known for its healing qualities — just like the character herself.
• Shakespeare introduced the phrase “the primrose path” in his play “Hamlet.” It means taking the easy way out of a difficult situation.
• The name primrose originates from the Latin word primus, which translates to first. The appearance of these flowers typically ushers in the spring season as warmer temperatures arrive.
• One of the greatest English writers to walk the earth, William Shakespeare, had a soft spot for primroses. He mentioned them many times in his works.
• Alaska is home to one of the largest Primrose farms

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