Wood violet
Viola reichenbachiana · Violaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant wood violet: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Violaceae
- Type
- Perennial herb
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- April to June
- Mature height
- 10 to 20 cm
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (zone 4 to 8)
- Origin
- Central and eastern Europe
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
Care
Light and exposure
Reichenbach's violet thrives in partial shade or indirect light, ideally in light woodland. It tolerates full shade but will flower less abundantly. Avoid direct afternoon sun exposure in Mediterranean regions.
Soil and drainage
This plant prefers rich, humus-filled soil that is well-drained and slightly acidic to neutral. Adding compost or leaf mold improves structure and encourages naturalization. Soil should remain moist but without waterlogging.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during spring growth and flowering. Reduce watering in winter. This wild plant appreciates some atmospheric moisture and benefits from regular rainfall.
Fertilization
An annual application of well-decomposed compost in spring is more than sufficient. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers that would promote foliage at the expense of flowers. A plant in rich soil requires little supplementation.
Maintenance and pruning
No pruning is necessary; this small herb manages itself naturally. Simply remove spent flowers to encourage prolonged flowering. In late winter, tidy up dead foliage if desired.
Pests and diseases
Generally robust, it may occasionally suffer from powdery mildew in confined, humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid stagnant foliage moisture. Slugs may be attracted; watch for them in humid climates.
Did you know?
Reichenbach's violet owes its name to German botanist Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach and is among Europe's most discreet wild violets. Unlike the well-known sweet violet, it has only a very faint fragrance, but it is appreciated by ecologists for its naturalization in woodland-style gardens and its tolerance of poor soils.
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.