Viola.
A large genus of annuals, perennials and sub-shrubs, there is quite a difference in their leaf shapes, but the flower shape we are very familiar with and recognise very quickly. We all have our favourites, some are more difficult to grow than others. The Viola's preferring a lime stone rock position, I think would grow very well in troughs made from cement, providing a cooler root run with leached limestone from the cement. I hope people will give Viola seed a go this year, as the seed exchanges will be out in approximately a months time.
Viola cazorlensis photographed in Cazorla Spain growing in limestone soil, very similar to Viola delphinantha, the largest difference is a small dark purplish dot on the lower lip of V. cazorlensis. The two Viola's below are Viola delphinantha from Greece and Bulgaria also found growing in lime stone rock. The one growing in a pot was photographed at Blackthorn Nursery, the last one being grown in hypertufa in Peter Erskin's garden both gardens are in the UK. They are reported as being difficult to grow but they both come from a hot climate and I think if we could get fresh seed we could grow them in Australia.
Labeled as Viola del x Caz in Blackthorn Nursery.
Viola crassa borealis from AGS seed January 2018. Leaves a little chewed by snails and slugs, but it has survived the wet winter in the crevice garden, very well. It comes from Japan.
Viola biflora photographed in Vall de Nuria Spain, very similar as above.
Viola douglasii from Archibald seed no longer with me but beautiful none the less. An American species from Oregon to California, bipinnate leaves and strong dark brown markings on the bottom petals of the flowers.
Viola odorata above and below comes in all colours Pink, White, Apricot, Purple, Mauve and Purplish blue, a large ground cover for a moist position. As their name suggests perfumed flowers.
Viola stojanowii AGS seed, for sale from Allan at the plant sale, Oron Peri talk. A lovely little viola with strong markings on the lower lip. Found growing in Greece and Bulgaria in subalpine grassland doing very well for me in a well drained part of the crevice garden.
Viola betonicifolia subspecies betonicifolia photographed in Kosciuszko National Park, but not all the flowers were as lovely as this form, some were very wishy washy in colour. We have also photographed this in Falls Creek and Hotham, it is a very wide spread Viola, and sets copious amounts of seed. Found growing in moist grassy slopes.
Viola congesta growing not in the main Wisley Glass House but one we were allowed in as visitors out the back, a great privilege. Now called Viola volcanica, similar to Viola rosulata in habit and foliage. From Chile and Argentina the southern central cordilleras to the volcano region of Patagonia, mainly in warm sites in loose volcanic sand or pumice rubble.
Viola pedata hybrid in Wisley Glass house a gorgeous Viola and one to try and raise from seed.
Viola pedata bicolor at the AGS conference 2011
Viola pedata also at the AGS conference 2011 fairly easy from seed in Australia and a very lovely species. Found growing in North America from Canada to Missouri and Arizona in woodland clearings and prairies.
A lovely Viola in Ashwood Nursery Gardens without a label I'm afraid.
Viola jooi from Rumania amongst lime stone rocks, often listed by Lynn's rare plants for sale. Also easy from seed and grows well in our garden here in the Dandenongs.
A large genus of annuals, perennials and sub-shrubs, there is quite a difference in their leaf shapes, but the flower shape we are very familiar with and recognise very quickly. We all have our favourites, some are more difficult to grow than others. The Viola's preferring a lime stone rock position, I think would grow very well in troughs made from cement, providing a cooler root run with leached limestone from the cement. I hope people will give Viola seed a go this year, as the seed exchanges will be out in approximately a months time.
Viola odorata above and below comes in all colours Pink, White, Apricot, Purple, Mauve and Purplish blue, a large ground cover for a moist position. As their name suggests perfumed flowers.
Viola stojanowii AGS seed, for sale from Allan at the plant sale, Oron Peri talk. A lovely little viola with strong markings on the lower lip. Found growing in Greece and Bulgaria in subalpine grassland doing very well for me in a well drained part of the crevice garden.
Viola betonicifolia subspecies betonicifolia photographed in Kosciuszko National Park, but not all the flowers were as lovely as this form, some were very wishy washy in colour. We have also photographed this in Falls Creek and Hotham, it is a very wide spread Viola, and sets copious amounts of seed. Found growing in moist grassy slopes.
Viola congesta growing not in the main Wisley Glass House but one we were allowed in as visitors out the back, a great privilege. Now called Viola volcanica, similar to Viola rosulata in habit and foliage. From Chile and Argentina the southern central cordilleras to the volcano region of Patagonia, mainly in warm sites in loose volcanic sand or pumice rubble.
Viola pedata also at the AGS conference 2011 fairly easy from seed in Australia and a very lovely species. Found growing in North America from Canada to Missouri and Arizona in woodland clearings and prairies.
A lovely Viola in Ashwood Nursery Gardens without a label I'm afraid.
Viola jooi from Rumania amongst lime stone rocks, often listed by Lynn's rare plants for sale. Also easy from seed and grows well in our garden here in the Dandenongs.
Viola seedling looks very similar to Viola jooi, on the Tan track, below Ferny Creek Hort. Soc. an escapee from the Gardens perhaps.
Viola bubanii photographed in Puerto, Spain on the side of a rock cliff in grass, I was so excited to find this beautiful Viola growing in the out crop of rock.
Viola cornuta often listed on seed lists and fairly easy to grow, found growing in Mulleres Valley, Spain.
Viola crassiuscula photographed in Sierra Nevada, Spain. How they survive the goat herds and insects I don't know. The photo below, I was just getting my camera out to take a photo of the best flower that had not been chewed and along came this big insect and promptly began to eat the flower.
Viola pyrenaica, a tufted clump forming perennial in Spain.
Viola gracilis n'Hug Spain, in Alpine grass land and amongst rocks. Just as I was photographing, suddenly lightning and a loud clap of thunder and it started to pour with rain, a mad dash to the car. This Viola was surrounded by Androsace villosa, which I did not expect to see at all. This is just a smattering of the Viola's that are available. Reference material as always I use my Alpine Garden Soc. Encyclopaedia of Alpines.
Our next meeting is on The Outer Hebrides by Cynthia on 23rd November at 8.00pm at the Olinda Community Hall Olinda, next to the Olinda swimming pool, 79 -81 Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda. I will look forward to seeing you there, why not come along and see if you would like to join our group of plant and bulb enthusiasts.
Viola bubanii photographed in Puerto, Spain on the side of a rock cliff in grass, I was so excited to find this beautiful Viola growing in the out crop of rock.
Viola cornuta often listed on seed lists and fairly easy to grow, found growing in Mulleres Valley, Spain.
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