This short-lived perennial plant from South Yemen is generally treated as an annual and discarded after flowering. Also called Persian violet or German violet, it has glossy green leaves and an abundance of fragrant, sky-blue to pale violet or rich purple flowers with prominent, golden stamens. If the plant is in bud when bought, it will flower throughout summer and fall. E.a. ‘Blue Gem’ is compact (to 8 in./20 cm) with lavender-blue flowers.
Size: Height 1 ft. (30 cm).
Light: Indirect sunlight.
Temperature: Normal room, but avoid drafts.
Moisture: Keep thoroughly moist.
Feeding: Use standard liquid fertilizer every two weeks while the plant is in flower.
Propagation: Sow seed in late summer for the following year, or in spring for a slightly later flowering in the same year.
Special needs: Pick off fading flowers to extend the flowering period. Exacums like high humidity, so place the pot on a tray of moist pebbles.