Judith K. Mehl
Family
Gesnariaceae
Botanical Name
Saintpaulia 'Martinique'( OPTIMARA™ SERIES)
Plant Common Name
African Violet, Martinique African Violet
General Description
One of many African violets in the trademarked Optimara series, ‘Martinique’ is a low-growing, evergreen perennial notable for its constant flowering and profusion of long-lasting blue flowers with ruffled white edges. The leaves are slightly hairy or velvety, heart shaped, thick, and held on stiff horizontal stems in a low rosette. The flowers rise above the leaves on slender stems and gather together closely in the center of the plant, making a colorful display.
African violets, native to the cool mountains of east Africa, are grown almost exclusively as indoor container plants. Like its kin, ‘Martinique’ needs a moisture-holding potting mix, good drainage and strong indirect light, especially bright but diffused morning sunlight, for best growth and flowering. Water ‘Martinique’ by watering the saucer under the pot because its leaves can be damaged and permanently spotted by cold water.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
14 - 15
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Plant Type
Broadleaf Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
2"-4" / 5.1cm - 10.2cm (3)
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Width
8"-10" / 20.3cm - 25.4cm (8)
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Eastern Africa
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Blue
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single, Semi-Double
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
