Viola hastata (halberd-leaved violet) — Clump forming

Overview

Viola hastata is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Viola, part of the Violaceae family, with evergreen, semi evergreen foliage. Viola hastata 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. It is native to Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

About

Viola hastata is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Violaceae notable for its halberd-shaped basal leaves. It bears yellow flowers in April, May, June, September and October. Foliage is evergreen to semi-evergreen, persisting through much of the year. It suits full sun or partial shade on moist but well-drained soils.

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

A member of the Violaceae, Viola hastata originates from the eastern United States, recorded in states from New York and Connecticut south to Florida and west to Ohio and Kentucky. The common name refers to the distinctive halberd-shaped basal leaves that form a compact clump and set the plant apart in spring and autumn displays. Flowering occurs in April, May, June, September and October, producing yellow blooms at each flush. Give Viola hastata a position in full sun or partial shade where soil remains moist but well-drained. It tolerates a broad range of soils—chalk, clay, loam or sand—and a wide pH range from acid to alkaline. The species is rated H5, which means it is hardy through UK winters in most gardens; it copes with both exposed and sheltered sites and suits south-, west- or east-facing aspects. Use it for underplanting roses and shrubs, in cottage or informal borders, patio containers or city courtyard beds where low clumps are required. The semi-evergreen leaves provide seasonal structure, while the yellow flowers appear in two distinct periods (April–June and again in September–October), making the plant useful for extending interest outside the main summer months.

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 hastata 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
Native to: Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Viola hastata

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 hastata?

Viola hastata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Viola hastata need?

Viola hastata 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.