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Two-flowered violet

Viola biflora · Violaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant two-flowered violet: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Foliage
Deciduous
Blooming
Spring to summer (April-July)
Mature size
15 to 25 cm in height
Growth
Moderate
Hardiness
Very hardy (zone 3-8)
Origin
Alps, Carpathians and mountainous regions of Europe
Soil type
Well-drained, moist, rich in organic matter

Care

Watering

Keep the soil moist and fresh during growth, without creating waterlogging. Water regularly during dry periods, particularly in spring and early summer. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. This species enjoys a moist mountain atmosphere.

Exposure

Place the two-flowered pansy in partial shade or light shade. It tolerates direct sun in cool, mountainous climates, but prefers protection from hot afternoons. It fears scorching exposures on lowlands.

Soil and substrate

Prepare well-drained soil enriched with compost or leaf mold. This violet appreciates slightly acidic to neutral soils rich in humus. In pots, use a light, draining mixture with added organic matter.

Fertilizing

A balanced fertilizer application in spring is generally sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which would promote foliage at the expense of flowering. Well-decomposed compost applied to the surface each autumn is good natural maintenance.

Pruning and maintenance

Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Clean up dead or damaged foliage at the end of winter. This plant self-seeds naturally; thin seedlings if necessary to prevent overcrowding.

Diseases and pests

Little susceptible to diseases under appropriate conditions. Watch for powdery mildew in overly humid and stagnant atmosphere. Aphids and spider mites can exceptionally infest it under sheltered cultivation; promote air circulation.

Did you know?

Viola biflora bears its scientific name 'biflora' because of its characteristically two-flowered blooms on the same stem, a rare particularity among violets. This small alpine herb was used by alpine botanists as an indicator of mountain elevation, colonizing moist and cool zones between 1200 and 2800 meters in altitude.

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.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.