Viola hederacea

RHS Plant Profile
Australian violet
Australian violet visionspictures.com

Other common names

ivy-leaved violet, spurless violet, trailing violet

Synonyms

Viola reniforme

Herbaceous Perennial

A low-growing, vigorously spreading or trailing, evergreen perennial forming a mat of broadly heart-shaped to almost circular, dark green leaves. In late summer produces rather flat-faced, violet flowers, usually white with central purple blotches, but also pure white, cream or pale to dark purple

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral or Acid

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Violaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Trailing, Matforming
Genus
Viola can be annuals, biennials or deciduous or evergreen perennials, with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and 5-petalled flowers of characteristic shape
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Australia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Best grown in a cool greenhouse, or alpine house. Otherwise grow in fertile, humus-rich, reliably moist but not waterlogged soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Hanging Basket
  • Banks and slopes
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering. After flowering cut back vigorous plants to keep compact

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails, glasshouse red spider mite and violet gall midge

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, pansy downy mildew, pansy leaf spot, a virus and a rust