Viola hispida (Rouen pansy) — Clump forming

Overview

Viola hispida is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Viola, part of the Violaceae family, with evergreen, semi evergreen foliage. Viola hispida 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 hispida is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the violet family that produces blooms in spring and again in autumn. Its foliage is evergreen to semi-evergreen, forming compact mats suitable for edges and containers. It tolerates full sun or partial shade and prefers moist but well-drained soils of chalk, clay, loam or sand. Hardiness H5 indicates it is classed as hardy in the UK.

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

Viola hispida is a small clump-forming perennial in the Violaceae, historically associated with limited river-valley populations in France. Plants form low, evergreen to semi-evergreen mats and set flowers in April, May, June and again in September and October, providing two distinct display periods. Position plants in full sun or partial shade; they do well on south-, west- or east-facing aspects and tolerate both exposed and sheltered sites. Soil type is flexible — chalk, clay, loam or sand are all acceptable — but aim for moist, well-drained conditions and a neutral to acid or alkaline pH. Hardiness H5 (hardy) means plants will withstand typical UK winter conditions when established. Use Viola hispida where compact, flowering ground cover is required: edging, mixed flower borders, patios and containers, city courtyards and as underplanting beneath roses and larger shrubs. Give a shallow mulch to retain moisture without waterlogging, and avoid deep winter compaction over the crowns. Expect distinct flowering flushes in April, May, June, September and October.

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 hispida 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 hispida

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 hispida?

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

What soil does Viola hispida need?

Viola hispida 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.