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Viola rostrata (Long Spurred Violet)

Longspur Violet, Long-spurred Violet

Viola rostrata, Longspur Violet, Long-spurred Violet, Shade plants, shade perennial, violet flowers, plants for shade

Native to Eastern North America, Viola rostrata (Long Spurred Violet) is a low-growing perennial with heart-shaped, toothed, dark green leaves. Eye-catching, lilac-purple flowers adorned with a very long nectar spur appear from mid-spring to early summer. Their upper petals have dark violet streaks, the three lower ones display dark violet veins and the two lateral petals are beardless. The blossoms rise on long stalks above the foliage. Often regarded as an early sign of spring, Long Spurred Violet is a charming addition to the shady border or rock garden where it forms brilliant clumps of color. If left to set seed, expect more of these little gems to appear every year.

  • Grows up to 6-8 in. tall (15-20 cm) and 4-6 in. wide (1-15 cm). Tends to self-seed in ideal growing conditions.
  • A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils.
  • This plant is very versatile and can be used in beds and borderscottage gardens, rock gardenswoodland gardens, or as a ground cover.
  • Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, violet gall midge, powdery mildew, and pansy leaf spot.
  • Propagate by seed.
  • Native to Eastern North America.

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 plants

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Violaceae
Genus Viola
Common names Violet
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 6" - 8"
(15cm - 20cm)
Spread 4" - 6"
(10cm - 15cm)
Spacing 6" (15cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Midwest, Southeast, Northeast, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Viola palustris (Marsh Violet)
Viola sempervirens (Evergreen Violet)
Viola pedatifida (Prairie Violet)
Viola glabella (Pioneer Violet)
Viola rotundifolia (Round-Leaved Violet)
Viola bicolor (Field Pansy)

Recommended Companion Plants

Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)
Quercus rubra (Red Oak)
Pinus strobus (Eastern White Pine)
Anemone quinquefolia (Wood Anemone)
Maianthemum canadense (Canada Mayflower)
Trillium grandiflorum (White Trillium)

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Viola (Violet)
Native Plant Alternatives to Viola tricolor (Johnny Jump up)
Pansies: How to Grow and Care with Success
Violets (Viola): How to Grow and Care with Success
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Violaceae
Genus Viola
Common names Violet
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 6" - 8"
(15cm - 20cm)
Spread 4" - 6"
(10cm - 15cm)
Spacing 6" (15cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Midwest, Southeast, Northeast, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Viola (Violet)
Not sure which Viola (Violet) to pick?
Compare Now

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