Viola hederacea
Australian violet
A low-growing, vigorously spreading or trailing, evergreen perennial forming a mat of broadly heart-shaped to almost circular, dark green leaves. In late summer produces rather flat-faced, violet flowers, usually white with central purple blotches, but also pure white, cream or pale to dark purple
Synonyms
Viola reniforme
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
Alkaline, Neutral, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream Purple White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Violaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing, Matforming
- 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
- Australia
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown in a cool greenhouse, or alpine house. Otherwise grow in fertile, humus-rich, reliably moist but not waterlogged soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- hanging basket
- Banks and slopes
- Conservatory and greenhouse
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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