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Alpine RockeryCactus Succulent

Viola rosulata

rosette-leaved viola

A rare compact, clump-forming evergreen alpine perennial with tight rosettes of pale, olive green, succulent-like leaves. Flowers are white flushed with purple or yellow, and appear close to the foliage in rings on the edge of the rosette. In the wild these would grow in deep volcanic sand so are suitable rockeries or alpine planting, but can be quite challenging to grow

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Ultimate height

0.1–0.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

1–2 years

Ultimate spread

0.1–0.5 metres

Chalk

Clay

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained, Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

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)

Botanical details

Family: Violaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy, 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: Correct
Plant range: Chile, Argentina

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate from seed, but germination success rates are low so patience may be required

Suggested planting locations and garden types

City and courtyard gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Gravel garden
Patio and container plants
Rock garden

Pruning

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

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

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

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