Overview
Viola persicifolia is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Viola, part of the Violaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Viola persicifolia 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 persicifolia, commonly known as fen violet, is a bushy, herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Viola, which includes a variety of growth forms with distinctive five-petalled flowers. This deciduous plant thrives in moist but well-drained soils such as clay, loam, or sand, and can tolerate a range of soil pH from acid to alkaline. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is suitable for east, south, or west-facing aspects, whether exposed or sheltered. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is well suited to cottage gardens, rock gardens, and coastal areas, and can be propagated by seed sown in late winter or early spring.
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 persicifolia 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 persicifolia
- 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 persicifolia?
Viola persicifolia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Viola persicifolia need?
Viola persicifolia 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 persicifolia hardy in the UK?
Viola persicifolia 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 persicifolia?
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)