Viola riviniana
common dog violet
a mat-forming rhizomatous perennial with ovate, heart-shaped leaves and violet flowers with a pale spur, in late spring and early summer
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Violaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- 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
- Europe, N. Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Excellent for wild or woodland garden. Grow in moist but well-drained soil
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering
Pests
May be attacked by slugs, snails, glasshouse red spider mite and violet gall midge
Diseases
May be affected by pansy leaf spot and powdery mildews
Get involved
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