Viola coronifera

Scientific Name

Viola coronifera W.Becker

Synonym(s)

Viola coronifera var. minoriflora

Scientific Classification

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

Origin

This species is native to Argentina.

Description

Viola coronifera is an attractive perennial plant with solitary or few to several rosettes of green, ovate leaves. It is one of the Violas with leaves arranged in a rosette. The rosettes grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall and 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Flowers are yellow or light orange, sweet-scented, and appear from late spring to early summer.

Etymology

The specific epithet "coronifera" derives from the Latin words "corona," meaning "crown or wreath," and "fero," meaning "bear or carry," and refers to the flowers that form a crown at the top of the rosette.

How to Grow and Care for Viola coronifera

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

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

Hardiness: Viola coronifera 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, resulting in elongation of the compact rosettes. However, it is known that in any bunch of seedlings, some of them will quickly etiolate, while others may not. So there is some scope in selecting Rosulate Violas more likely to grow satisfactorily in cultivation.

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

Toxicity of Viola coronifera

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

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