Heath violet
Viola canina · Violaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant heath violet: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- April to June
- Adult size
- 4 to 12 inches in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -4°F)
- Origin
- Temperate Europe and Asia
- Soil type
- Well-drained, moist, acidic to neutral
Care
Watering
Keep the soil moist but well-drained, especially during spring growth. Regular watering promotes abundant flowering. Gradually reduce watering after summer flowering.
Light Exposure
Dog violet thrives best in semi-shaded conditions. It also tolerates partial sun but prefers to avoid the strongest direct rays in summer.
Soil and Substrate
Choose soil rich in humus, moist and well-structured. Adding compost or potting soil improves water retention and drainage simultaneously.
Fertilizer
A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring is plenty. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and Maintenance
No strict pruning needed. Simply remove spent flowers to prolong blooming and clean up dead foliage after winter.
Diseases and Pests
Generally hardy, it can suffer from powdery mildew in overly humid and stagnant conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid watering the foliage late in the day.
Did you know?
Dog violet bears a colorful common name: "canina" refers to an old belief that it could cure dog rabies. In reality, its use in traditional herbal medicine remains local and poorly documented. Its charm lies rather in its delicate discretion and small purple flowers that have dotted European woodlands for centuries.
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.