Violet Meaning

The violet grows close to the ground, half hidden among its leaves, and blooms anyway. All its symbolism comes from that: it is the flower of what has worth without needing to show off.

What it symbolizes

• Modesty and humility. The expression "shrinking violet" exists in several languages.
• Faithful love. A discreet, constant affection.
• Remembrance. It is associated with someone who is gone.
• Loyalty. That is why it is the birth flower of February.

Napoleon's violet

It was his flower. When he was exiled to Elba, his supporters used violets as a sign of recognition and called him "Caporal Violette," because he had promised to return "with the violets" — that is, in spring. For years the flower was outright a banned political symbol in France.

Violet and African violet are not the same

People mix them up all the time. The common violet (Viola odorata) is European, intensely fragrant and grows outdoors. The African violet (Saintpaulia) comes from Tanzania, has no scent, is an indoor plant, and is the one sold in pots at every garden center. They are not botanically related: they look alike and that is all. Care for the second one is covered in how to care for an African violet.

The smell trick

Violets contain ionone, a compound that temporarily numbs your smell receptors. That is why you smell it intensely for two seconds and then it disappears; wait a little and you smell it again. It is the only flower that does that.