Dog violet 'Purpurea Group'

Viola riviniana Purpurea Group is a charming, low-growing perennial that provides a lovely ground-level detail in UK woodland gardens. Known for its dark, dusky purple foliage, it creates a moody backdrop for its numerous, small, heart-shaped flowers. The flowers are a pale violet-blue with a white throat and appear in profusion during spring. It is a tough and fully hardy (H7) plant that thrives in almost any soil type, provided it is not waterlogged. Reaching only 10cm in height, it is an excellent choice for planting along the edges of paths or tucked between the roots of large trees where it can form a pretty, dark carpet. It self-seeds freely, often popping up in cracks and crevices, which adds to its naturalistic charm. While it is a vigorous grower, it is rarely a nuisance and is easily managed. The contrast between the dark leaves and the pale flowers is particularly effective in dappled shade. It is also an important nectar source for early pollinators.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Any well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Apr, May, Jun.