Viola obliqua
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 cockshollow-leaved violet
see morehookers
North American blue violet
roosters
Synonyms
Viola obliquaBuy this plant
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 | Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
Get involved
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