Overview
Viola x scabra is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Viola, part of the Violaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Viola x scabra 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 x scabra is a bushy, herbaceous perennial cultivar within the Viola genus, known for its deciduous foliage and typical five-petalled flowers. It thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and can tolerate dry shade once established, making it suitable for a variety of garden settings including patios, containers, coastal areas, and rock gardens. This cultivar prefers full sun to partial shade and adapts well to different soil types and pH levels. It is hardy in the UK (H7) and is best propagated by seed sown in late winter or early spring, with spring being its season of interest.
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 x scabra 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 x scabra
- 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 x scabra?
Viola x scabra prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Viola x scabra need?
Viola x scabra 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 x scabra hardy in the UK?
Viola x scabra 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 x scabra?
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)