Viola palustris (Marsh Violet)
Marsh Violet, Northern Marsh Violet, Alpine Marsh Violet
Viola palustris (Marsh Violet) is a low-growing, spreading perennial forming a basal rosette of kidney-shaped, finely toothed, shiny light green leaves, 1 in. wide (2.5 cm). Blooming in mid to late spring, charming, pale lavender flowers, 1/2 in. wide (1 cm), adorned with purple veins are carried on almost leafless stalks above the foliage. Some flowers attract pollinators and some are self-pollinating. The blossoms are the primary nectar plant for the small pearl-bordered fritillary (a rare butterfly). Easy, hardy, and adaptable, Marsh Violet inhabits wet woodlands or meadows, marshes, and stream margins in North America and Eurasia. It is well-suited to woodland, banks, or wild gardens where it spreads by self-seeding and underground rhizomes.
- Growing up to 1-3 in. tall (2-7cm), this Violet will spread by self-seeding and creeping runners to form large colonies.
- A full sun to part shade lover, it is best grown in average, moist to wet soils.
- This plant is very versatile and can be used in cottage gardens, woodland gardens, bog gardens, along ponds and streams, or as a ground cover.
- Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, violet gall midge, powdery mildew, and pansy leaf spot. Deer resistant.
- Deadhead to prolong flowering.
- Propagate by seed.
- Native to Europe, Morocco, Northern America, and West Siberia
Violets (Viola): How to Grow and Care with Success
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Requirements
Hardiness | 2
– 10 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Viola - Violets |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) |
Height | 1" – 3" (2cm – 7cm) |
Water Needs | Average, High |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, California, Midwest, South Dakota, Northeast, Maine, New Hampshire, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southwest, Nevada |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Bog Gardens, Ground Covers, Ponds and Streams, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Joan Simon, Flickr
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 2
– 10 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Viola - Violets |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) |
Height | 1" – 3" (2cm – 7cm) |
Water Needs | Average, High |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, California, Midwest, South Dakota, Northeast, Maine, New Hampshire, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southwest, Nevada |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Bog Gardens, Ground Covers, Ponds and Streams, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |