Overview
Viola flos-idae is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Viola, part of the Violaceae family, with evergreen, semi evergreen foliage. Viola flos-idae 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 flos-idae is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial belonging to the Viola genus, known for its range of growth forms and distinctive five-petalled flowers. This cultivar features evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage and thrives in full sun to partial shade, favouring moist but well-drained soils including chalk, clay, loam, and sand with a wide pH range. Hardy to UK zone H5, it suits various garden settings such as cottage gardens, patios, city courtyards, and flower borders. Best grown in moist, humus-rich soil with dappled shade, it tolerates dry shade once established and is propagated by seed sown in late winter or early spring.
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 flos-idae 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 flos-idae
- 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 flos-idae?
Viola flos-idae prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Viola flos-idae need?
Viola flos-idae 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 flos-idae hardy in the UK?
Viola flos-idae 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 flos-idae?
Seed sown in late winter or early spring.
More in the Viola genus
- Viola 'Imperial Antique Shades'
- Viola 'Ab5131'PBR
- Viola 'Alice Witter' (Vt)
- Viola 'Beatrice' (Vtta)
- Viola 'Black Knight'
- Viola 'Caroline' (Va)
- Viola 'Cinders' (Vtta)
- Viola 'Clover' (Va)