Overview
Viola hirta is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Viola, part of the Violaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Viola hirta grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, coastal, cottage and informal garden and rock garden.
About
Viola hirta is a species of the plant genus Viola. It is also called the hairy violet. As with the sweet violet, no fossil seeds of this species have been found. It is confined to the cold temperate zone, in Europe, north and west Asia, extending as far as northwest India. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). It works well for patio and container plants, coastal, cottage and informal garden and rock garden. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects. Moist, humus-rich soil in dappled shade. Tolerates dry shade once established.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Viola hirta
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Viola
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Viola hirta size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Viola hirta
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in late winter or early spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, violet gall midge
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews, pansy leaf spot, a virus and a rust
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Viola hirta?
Viola hirta prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Viola hirta need?
Viola hirta is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Viola hirta hardy in the UK?
Viola hirta has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Viola hirta?
Propagate by 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)