Love-in

Love In at Mardi Gras Fountain New Orleans 1969 poster

Love-in-idleness (Viola tricolor), also known as the heartsease, Johnny jump up (though this name is also applied to similar species such as the yellow pansy), and wild pansy, is a common European wild flower, growing as an annual or short-lived perennial. It is a member of the Viola family, which includes a wide range of pansies and violets. The plant has been celebrated in literature and folklore, often associated with love and remembrance.

Description

Love-in-idleness bears small, colorful flowers that can range in color from violet and blue to yellow or white. The plant typically grows to a height of 15–30 cm (6–12 inches), with heart-shaped or round leaves at the base and elongated oval leaves higher on the stem. The flowers of Viola tricolor are hermaphroditic and are pollinated by insects. It prefers light to medium soils and can be found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, fields, and waste areas.

Cultural Significance

The name "love-in-idleness" was popularized by William Shakespeare in his play A Midsummer Night's Dream, where it is used as a magical flower that causes people to fall in love with the first living thing they see. This folklore has contributed to the flower's association with love and enchantment.

In the language of flowers, a Victorian-era practice that assigned meanings to flowers, Viola tricolor was a symbol of remembrance, love, and thinking (or thoughts) of someone. The flower's varied colors and patterns were thought to symbolize the complexity of love.

Cultivation and Uses

While Viola tricolor is often found in the wild, it is also cultivated for its ornamental value in gardens. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can thrive in both sunny and partially shaded locations. It is relatively easy to grow from seed and can also be propagated by cuttings. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the plant has been used in traditional medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.

In Literature and Art

Beyond Shakespeare, love-in-idleness has appeared in various works of literature and art, symbolizing love, memory, and sometimes the transience of beauty. It has been featured in poems, paintings, and herbal compendiums, often highlighted for its delicate beauty and the folklore surrounding it.

Conservation

As a common wildflower, Viola tricolor does not currently face significant conservation threats. However, like many wild species, it can be affected by habitat loss and the overuse of herbicides. Conservation efforts for wildflowers typically focus on preserving natural habitats and promoting biodiversity.