Viola 'Columbine' (Va)

RHS Plant Profile
viola 'Columbine'

Synonyms

Viola cornuta 'Columbine'

Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming perennial, growing to 30cm tall, with toothed leaves. This cultivar flowers from late spring into early summer and again in the autumn. The rounded creamy-white flowers are splashed with violet and have a small yellow eye

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

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

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Violaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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
Accepted
Horticultural Group
Violas are compact reliably perennial, clump-forming plants with a complex root system and rounded, more or less fragrant flowers, often with darker rays, over a long period in late spring and summer

How to Grow

Cultivation

Will grow in any moderately fertile soil apart from waterlogged soils in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by stem-tip cuttings in spring or late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering. Cut back after flowering in summer

Pests

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

Diseases

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