Overview
Viola grypoceras var. exilis 'Sylettas' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Viola, part of the Violaceae family, with evergreen, semi evergreen foliage. Viola grypoceras var. exilis 'Sylettas' 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 grypoceras var. exilis 'Sylettas' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial cultivar of the genus Viola, known for its evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage. This cyclamen-leaved violet thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and can tolerate full sun if kept moist, making it suitable for various garden aspects including south, west, and east-facing positions. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and is well-suited to chalk, clay, loam, and sand soils with a range of pH levels. 'Sylettas' is ideal for cottage and informal gardens, patios, containers, flower borders, and underplanting of roses and shrubs, offering interest from spring through to autumn.
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 grypoceras var. exilis 'Sylettas' 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 grypoceras var. exilis 'Sylettas'
- 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 grypoceras var. exilis 'Sylettas'?
Viola grypoceras var. exilis 'Sylettas' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Viola grypoceras var. exilis 'Sylettas' need?
Viola grypoceras var. exilis 'Sylettas' 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 grypoceras var. exilis 'Sylettas' hardy in the UK?
Viola grypoceras var. exilis 'Sylettas' 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 grypoceras var. exilis 'Sylettas'?
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)