Viola elatior
A species of upright, clump-forming perennial with long, heart-shaped, toothed bright green foliage which gives a shrubby effect when mature. Pale purple flowers with white centres and darker purple veining appear from early summer to autumn. Suitable for rockeries and woodland planting. This species does not seem to have any particular fragrance
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 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 | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple White | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Violaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe & W Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in late winter or early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Rock garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
Pruning
Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and violet gall midge
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, pansy leaf spot, pansy downy mildew, a virus and a rust
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