Scents have the ability to supernaturally transport the mind to a beloved memory. Whether it’s a food or a flower, a perfume or a place, scent is powerful. However, fragrance has been a forgotten characteristic in plant breeding for many years. But PlantHaven is bringing scent to the forefront of desirable plant traits with the introduction of Viola MAGNIFI SCENTTM.
Bred by Rob and Sue Chapman of Victorian Violas, these selections produce an intoxicating perfume. The Chapmans and several other of PlantHaven’s breeder clients are focusing on scent as a primary selection criterion. Imagine the marketing and merchandising opportunities with a plant that emits a sweet, alluring scent! Consider marketing these as gift items, as well. When you give a plant or bouquet of flowers as a gift, what is the first thing the recipient does? They take a deep breath and smell the flowers. The selections in this collection can fill a large room with their delicate perfume. For retailers and growers, this program is supported with an eye-catching logo and point of purchase material.
Fragrance adds even more merit to an already high-value crop. The MAGNIFI SCENTTM Violas flower from spring through fall. There are typically more than 40 blooms on a 10-week-old plant. Blooms are about 1½ inches in diameter.
Besides being hardy to Zone 5, the plants in this series also perform well in higher temperatures. Viola MAGNIFI SCENTTM selections are vigorous growers with a compact rounded habit, growing from 4-9 inches tall and 6-9 inches wide.
The cultivars in this series — which will be available for the 2016 retail season — include:
• ‘Amy’ with violet colored flowers with dark ray markings and a
striking orange eye
striking orange eye
• ‘Bonny’ with bicolor lavender flowers and sunshine-yellow
centers
centers
• ‘Sunny Jim’ with pure, solid sunshine-yellow flowers
• ‘Sweetheart’ with frilled cream-primrose colored flowers with
mauve edges
mauve edges
• ‘Blue Sails’ is the newest selection, with frilled, crisp white flowers
and striking delft blue edges
and striking delft blue edges
In the greenhouse
MAGNIFI SCENTTM Viola is propagated by softwood cuttings, and a license is required for propagation. Finishing time for a quart program is four to six weeks, while a gallon program can be finished in six to eight weeks.
MAGNIFI SCENTTM Viola is propagated by softwood cuttings, and a license is required for propagation. Finishing time for a quart program is four to six weeks, while a gallon program can be finished in six to eight weeks.
In the landscape
Plant in full sun to partial shade in moderately fertile and well-drained soil. MAGNIFI SCENTTM Violas are perfect for mass plantings, using along borders and in containers. Hardy in Zones 5-8. They flower from spring through fall and will perform in higher temperatures. Tips for success: During the hottest time of the summer, cut them back and feed them for better garden performance.
Plant in full sun to partial shade in moderately fertile and well-drained soil. MAGNIFI SCENTTM Violas are perfect for mass plantings, using along borders and in containers. Hardy in Zones 5-8. They flower from spring through fall and will perform in higher temperatures. Tips for success: During the hottest time of the summer, cut them back and feed them for better garden performance.