Viola sororia
woolly blue violet
a stemless, rhizomatous perennial to 15cm tall with deciduous, heart-shaped leaves to 10cm long. Short-spurred, violet-blue flowers to 2cm in diameter are borne on leafless stalks in spring
Synonyms
Viola septentrionalisViola papilionacea
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Violaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Viola can be annuals, biennials or deciduous or evergreen perennials, with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and 5-petalled flowers of characteristic shape
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; self seeds freely
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in late winter or early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Garden edging
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering unless seed is required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, violet gall midge
Diseases
May be subject to powdery mildews, pansy leaf spot, a virus and a rust
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