They were just planted in pretty deep shade about two months ago (under some ficus trees and bordered by brick and a wooden fence) They are hand watered about once a week. They are spreading and seem to be thriving. I looked closely for any critters and did see some tiny back dots not apparently attached. I had a traumatizing bout of cabbage worms on my lettuce recently misdiagnosed because I saw many little flies. Treated with neem oil instead of Bt which I understand might have worked. The dirt the violets were planted in was amended and had been bare for three years. Thank you so much for any advice. I
Unfortunately, your photos did not come through. I will be unable to diagnose the issue. It does sound a bit like downy mildew, and since these are very susceptible to water damage from any moisture being on the leaves, this may be what is causing the issue.
Here is an article that will explain:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/downy-mildew.htm
There are many other diseases that can destroy these types of Violets, which can be classified as Viola and cared for as most Viola will be. Fungal infections are common. Fungicides may be necessary:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/biofungicide-information.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/homemade-fungicide.htm
This article will explain the differences in some common viola:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/violet/types-of-violets.htm
I do not have any photos at the moment
Here's an article to help you solve this problem: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/violet/kill-wild-violets.htm
Squirrels store their acorns, your trees drop seeds, the neighbors trees blow seed in, and other animals store seeds for winter.
I have these planted in many locations around my yard, in garden areas, but the batches in my tree ring are getting yellowing leaves. It started with one plant and is now moving to others. I've attached a picture of the plant and also the tree ring area. This is a mostly shady area, it does get minimal sun. All other areas that I have these are thriving.
You may want to check your violets for spider mites, which can be treated with the application of neem oil. Here are a couple helpful articles:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/violet/wild-violets-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/spider-mite-treatment.htm
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/extensions-greatest-hits/2007-08-28-yellow-leaves-can-indicate-plant-problems
I had some plants that looked like that in mid summer and I just left them. After a while it corrected itself. It was probably a nutrient deficiency.
I might mention too that those plants are competing for nutrients with the tree. In fact, I'm concerned about that smaller ring. Piling dirt up on top of the tree's feeder roots can prevent oxygen from getting to the roots. The tree will usually decline in health over time. See the notation in this article:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/planting-garden-beneath-trees.htm
they just do not grow in my grass?
Most people want them out of their grass. :) If your lawn is sunny, they might not survive. They typically prefer shade.
Here's an article about wild violets: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/violet/wild-violets-care.htm
My violet plant has a white powdery mildew on leaves and blooms. How do I treat the plant?
This article should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/african-violet/powdery-mildew-on-african-violets.htm
What does hibiscus seedlings look like
Is this a weed or a hibiscus plant
The foliage looks similar to hibiscus leaves but it seems to have too many stems (or I am not used to seeing that many in such as small area). The leaves are a tad more yellowish than typical hibiscus leaves. Hard to say with 100% certainty... maybe a weed? See if the weed or plant blooms (hibiscus may not bloom as quickly as some weeds do).
Im not sure if this is a hibiscus from seeds i planted
No. That is a wild violet.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/violet/wild-violets-care.htm