Hook violet
Viola adunca · Violaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant hook violet: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Flowering
- April to June, blue-violet flowers
- Adult size
- 10 to 20 cm tall
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -20 °C
- Exposure
- Partial shade to light shade
- Growth
- Slow
- Origin
- North America (temperate regions)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, rich in organic matter
Care
Watering
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering. Let it dry slightly between waterings. During active growth in spring, increase watering. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Exposure
Place your dog violet in partial shade or light shade. It appreciates cool, moist spots without intense direct sun, which could scorch its foliage. A north or northeast-facing location is ideal.
Soil and substrate
Prepare soil rich in organic matter, well-drained and slightly acidic. Improve the soil with compost or peat. Make sure no water pools at the roots to prevent rot.
Pruning
Regularly remove spent flowers to extend blooming. In late winter, clean out dead or damaged stems. Light pruning after flowering promotes a compact shape and better branching.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring as vegetation resumes. Favor organic fertilizer or diluted fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Reduce after flowering.
Diseases and pests
Watch for rot caused by excess moisture. Slugs can damage foliage: inspect regularly. Powdery mildew may appear in warm, humid conditions; improve air circulation. Treat promptly if needed with gentle methods.
Did you know?
The dog violet gets its name from its small, modest flowers, once considered less 'noble' than large cultivated violets. Yet it plays a crucial ecological role in North America: it's the preferred host plant for the Fritillary butterfly, whose larvae feed on it exclusively, creating a fascinating botanical link between two species.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Sweet violetViola odorata
- Labrador violetViola labradorica
- Horned violetViola cornuta
- Wood violetViola riviniana
- Field pansyViola arvensis
- Marsh violetViola palustris
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.