Overview
Viola canadensis is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Viola, part of the Violaceae family, with evergreen, semi evergreen foliage. Viola canadensis 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 canadensis is a flowering plant in the Violaceae family. It is commonly known as Canadian white violet, Canada violet, tall white violet, or white violet.
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)
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 canadensis 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 canadensis
- 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 canadensis?
Viola canadensis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Viola canadensis need?
Viola canadensis 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.
Is Viola canadensis hardy in the UK?
Viola canadensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Viola canadensis?
Seed sown in late winter or early spring.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Viola genus
- Viola 'Panola Rose Picotee' (Panola Series)
- Viola 'Pearl Rose'
- Viola cornutahorned pansy
- Viola cornuta 'Alba'White Horned Violet
- Viola cornuta 'Lilacina'Violet
- Viola eizorensis
- Viola elatiortall violet
- Viola hastatahalberd-leaved violet
