Viola hirta (hairy violet) — Bushy

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

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: 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.