Viola 'Alice Witter' (Vt) — Clump forming

Overview

Viola 'Alice Witter' (Vt) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Viola, part of the Violaceae family, with evergreen, semi evergreen foliage. Viola 'Alice Witter' (Vt) grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, city and courtyard gardens, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.

About

Viola 'Alice Witter' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Violaceae that carries evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage and produces blooms in both spring and autumn. It flowers in April, May and June, and again in September and October. The plant suits full sun or partial shade and tolerates a wide range of soils provided they remain moist but well drained. Its compact, clump-forming habit makes it straightforward to place at the front of borders or in containers.

About the genus

Viola, commonly known as the violets, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Violaceae. It is the largest genus in the family, containing over 680 species. Most species are found in the temperate Northern Hemisphere; however, some are also found in widely divergent areas such as Hawaii, Australasia, and the Andes.

Wikipedia contributors, "Viola (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Viola (plant)

In the garden

Viola 'Alice Witter' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial within the Violaceae, valued where recurring spring and autumn flowers are wanted. Foliage remains evergreen to semi-evergreen so the plant provides structure outside the main bloom periods, and it produces flowers in April, May and June and again in September and October. Plants do well in full sun or partial shade and will take up to south-, west- or east-facing aspects. It suits chalk, clay, loam and sand and tolerates acidic, neutral and alkaline soils; the key is to keep soil moist but well drained. Listed as H5, it is hardy for most UK gardens and will withstand exposed or sheltered situations, though heavy winter waterlogging should be avoided. Use Viola 'Alice Witter' at the front of flower borders and beds, in patio containers, or for underplanting roses and larger shrubs; it is also appropriate for cottage, informal, city and courtyard plantings. Position plants where both the April–June display and the September–October return bloom will be visible so you benefit from both seasonal shows.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Viola

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Viola 'Alice Witter' (Vt) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Evergreen, Semi evergreen
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Viola 'Alice Witter' (Vt)

Propagation: Seed sown in late winter or early spring
Pest resistance: Slugs, Snails, Aphids, Glasshouse red spider mite, Violet gall midge
Disease resistance: Powdery mildews, Pansy leaf spot, A virus, A rust

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Viola 'Alice Witter' (Vt)?

Viola 'Alice Witter' (Vt) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Viola 'Alice Witter' (Vt) need?

Viola 'Alice Witter' (Vt) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.