Overview
Viola tridentata is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Viola, part of the Violaceae family, with evergreen, semi evergreen foliage. Viola tridentata 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 tridentata is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Violaceae family. This semi-evergreen to evergreen plant thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring moist but well-drained soils ranging from chalk to clay and sand, with a pH that can be acid, alkaline, or neutral. Hardy to UK zone H5, it suits a variety of garden settings including cottage gardens, patios, city courtyards, and flower borders. It is best grown in moist, humus-rich soil in dappled shade and can tolerate dry shade once established. Propagation is by seed sown in late winter or early spring, with interest in spring.
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 tridentata 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 tridentata
- 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 tridentata?
Viola tridentata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Viola tridentata need?
Viola tridentata 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.
Is Viola tridentata hardy in the UK?
Viola tridentata has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Viola tridentata?
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)