Overview
Viola 'Nigra' (Va) is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Viola, part of the Violaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Viola 'Nigra' (Va) 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 'Nigra' (black imp) is a bushy, deciduous herbaceous perennial belonging to the Viola genus, which includes a variety of growth forms with distinctive five-petalled flowers. This cultivar thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and can tolerate full sun if kept moist, though it prefers partial shade. Suitable for a range of soil types and pH levels, it is hardy to UK zone H7 and is ideal for patios, containers, coastal areas, cottage and informal gardens, as well as rock gardens. Viola 'Nigra' provides seasonal interest from spring through to autumn.
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 'Nigra' (Va) 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 'Nigra' (Va)
- 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 'Nigra' (Va)?
Viola 'Nigra' (Va) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Viola 'Nigra' (Va) need?
Viola 'Nigra' (Va) 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 'Nigra' (Va) hardy in the UK?
Viola 'Nigra' (Va) 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 'Nigra' (Va)?
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)