Viola atropurpurea

Scientific Name

Viola atropurpurea Leyb.

Scientific Classification

Family: Violaceae
Subfamily: Violoideae
Tribe: Violeae
Genus: Viola

Etymology

The specific epithet "atropurpurea (at-ro-pur-PURR-ee-uh)" means "dark purple" and refers to the color of the flowers.

Origin

Viola atropurpurea is native to Argentina and Chile.

Description

Viola atropurpurea is a perennial plant with semi-succulent, olive-brown to pale blue-green leaves spirally arranged in rosettes and sometimes with reddish margins. It belongs to the group of Rosulate Violas. The rosettes can reach up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter and usually grow solitary or in small groups.

The flowers appear from spring to early summer and stand in a ring around the outer edge of the rosette. They are generally blackish-purple with a yellow throat and white hairs but sometimes paler and veined.

How to Grow and Care for Viola atropurpurea

Rosulate Violas have a reputation for being difficult to keep alive. Therefore, cold conditions, soil containing adequate nutrients, and as much light as possible are essential.

Soil: They grow in relatively bare, loose soils, often volcanic in origin.

Hardiness: Viola atropurpurea can withstand temperatures as low as 0 to 50 °F (-17.8 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 7a to 11b.

Propagation: Rosulate Violas are grown only from seed and with some patience.

The main problem with these plants is etiolation, caused by a lack of light, which results in the elongation of the compact rosettes. However, it is known that some of the seedlings will quickly etiolate while others will not. So, there is some scope in selecting Rosulate Violas that are more likely to grow satisfactorily in cultivation.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Rosulate Violas.

Toxicity of Viola atropurpurea

Violas are nontoxic for humans and pets. Both the flowers and leaves are edible, fresh, cooked, or dried.

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