Viola rostrata (long-spurred violet) — Bushy

Overview

Viola rostrata is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Viola, part of the Violaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Viola rostrata 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 rostrata, commonly called the long-spurred violet, is an herbaceous plant in the violet family (Violaceae). It is native to eastern North America, where it is found in Canada and the United States, primarily in the Northeastern, Midwestern, and Appalachian regions. Its natural habitat is acidic mesic forests, often growing near Tsuga canadensis. 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 rostrata

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 rostrata 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 rostrata

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 rostrata?

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

What soil does Viola rostrata need?

Viola rostrata 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 rostrata hardy in the UK?

Viola rostrata 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 rostrata?

Propagate by seed sown in late winter or early spring.

More in the Viola genus

Browse all Viola →