Shop for unusual African violets at big sale

Today’s African violets aren’t plain old purple. They come in a dazzling array of patterns, shapes and colors – making them a most collectible houseplant.

Build your African violet collection with just one stop at the annual Capital City African Violet Society sale at Shepard Garden and Arts Center in McKinley Park.

On Saturday, April 6, find hundreds of rare and unusual varieties, many not available at local nurseries. They’re priced to sell quickly; get there early for best selection. The sale is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until all the plants are sold. Admission and parking are free.

In addition to the sale, the society is hosting a beautiful display of members’ prized African violets in their peak of bloom. In addition to violets, see their close gesneriad cousin, cape primroses. Some of these eye-catching varieties also may be offered in the sale.

There are many reasons African violets have endured as a favorite houseplant. They live a long time with little care – and they bloom indoors!

African violets aren’t violets but they did originate in Africa, discovered in the tropical rain forest of Tanzania in 1892 by Baron Walter Von Saint Paul. The species’ botanical name, Saintpaulia ionantha, honors the German baron’s family; ionantha means “violet like.”

This little plant became an international phenomenon. A year after its discovery, it was patented to a German seed company. In 1894, Harris Seeds introduced the African violet to America.

But it was Woolworth & Co. that gets credit for making the African violet a national sensation. In 1927, a Los Angeles plant breeder introduced the hybrids ‘Sailor Boy’ and ‘Blue Boy,’ the first mass-marketed houseplants. Woolworth’s sold them in their stores across the country – the first time a chain store had sold plants on such a large scale. Millions were sold.

Nearly a century later, love of these fuzzy, flower-filled plants continues to grow.

For violet newbies, Saturday’s event is always a wonderful spot to get advice. Society members can show how to repot an overgrown plant and other care tips to prompt more blooms.

The club also offers supplies for growing African violets and other flowering houseplants.

Shepard Center is located at 3330 McKinley Blvd., Sacramento.