Viola 'Leander' (Va) — Clump forming

Overview

Viola 'Leander' (Va) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Viola, part of the Violaceae family, with evergreen, semi evergreen foliage. Viola 'Leander' (Va) 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 'Leander' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Violaceae that flowers in April, May, June, September and October. It carries evergreen to semi‑evergreen foliage and performs in both full sun and partial shade. Plant in moist but well‑drained soil across a wide pH range on south-, west- or east-facing sites and expect a hardy (H5) plant habit.

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 'Leander' is a cultivated Viola (family Violaceae) with a compact, clump-forming habit and foliage that remains evergreen to semi‑evergreen in milder winters. Blooming occurs in spring and again in early autumn, specifically April, May, June, September and October, giving two distinct display periods through the season. Place Viola 'Leander' where it receives full sun or partial shade; a south-, west- or east-facing aspect suits it. It will tolerate exposed situations as well as sheltered spots. Soil can be chalk, clay, loam or sand provided it stays moist but well‑drained, and it will grow in acid, neutral or alkaline conditions. The plant is rated H5 (hardy), so it withstands typical UK winter conditions without specialist protection. Use Viola 'Leander' in cottage and informal borders, beds, containers and patios, or to underplant roses and larger shrubs where its clumps can fill gaps at the base of plants. It also adapts to city and courtyard gardens where soil types vary. Expect reliable flowering in April, May, June, September and October, which makes it useful for bridging the gap between main spring and autumn displays.

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 'Leander' (Va) 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 'Leander' (Va)

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 'Leander' (Va)?

Viola 'Leander' (Va) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Viola 'Leander' (Va) need?

Viola 'Leander' (Va) 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.