Alphabetical Plant Listing

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

Want to learn how to grow and care for Violets like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these charming plantsRead More

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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

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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

Guides with Viola - Violets

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