Viola cotyledon
cup-leaved viola
A perennial that belongs to the rosulate viola group, with green, ovate, succulent-like leaves formed in dense rosettes. Flowers appear in summer on the outer rim of the rosette and can vary in colour from pure white to dark blue
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue White | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Violaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in free-draining soil and keep plants in cool conditions with plenty of light. Lack of light can cause etiolation which results in the rosettes becoming elongated
Propagation
Propagate by seed - can be difficult to grow
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Banks and slopes
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.