Exacum affine

RHS Plant Profile
Persian violet

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Persian violet Dorling Kindersley 2003

Other common names

Arabian violet, German violet

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Annual Biennial

A compact bushy annual or biennial to 30cm, with ovate, dark green leaves and fragrant purple, pink or white flowers 2cm across, with conspicuous yellow stamens

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H1C

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Gentianaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Exacum can be annuals, biennials or erennials, with simple, paired leaves and fragrant, saucer-shaped, purple, blue, white or pink flowers with five petals and prominent stamens
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in early spring at 18-20°C

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free