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Herbaceous Perennial

Viola cucullata

marsh blue violet

A low-growing, deciduous perennial, producing a clump of bright green, heart-shaped leaves up to 9cm long. In late spring, solitary blue-violet flowers up to 2cm across, with short spurs, are borne above the leaves

Other common names
fighting cocks
hollow-leaved violet
see morehookers
North American blue violet
roosters
Synonyms
Viola obliqua

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Green
Summer Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Violaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering. After flowering cut back vigorous plants to keep compact

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails, glasshouse red spider mite and violet gall midge

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, pansy downy mildew, pansy leaf spot, a virus and a rust

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