Among these, the familiar form of violas can sometimes be taken for granted, but Viola labradorica stands out in the throng and will continue to do so long after most competitors have faded from view.
Viola labradorica has always made an impact on me with its purplish green foliage and long flowering season.
The leaf colour is unusual in itself, but also makes a welcome contrast with the lighter greens around it.
The frothy effect of the violet-mauve flowers is at its best through spring and early summer, but can begin as early as July and will reappear in autumn once the heat of summer has passed.
In the Rhododendron Dell I have this viola spreading around the base of groups of Rhododendron degronianum ssp. yakushimanum where it makes a soft quilt of growth that helps emphasise the rhododendrons' strong curved lines and complements their pink and white blooms perfectly.
The growing conditions have been tailored to the needs of the rhododendrons, but the free draining compost, grit and soil mix is also ideal for V. labradorica and helps maximise its rich effect.
- See it growing in the Yakushimanum Bed just north of the tall pine trees.
- Native to damp woodlands in northeast US, Labrador, Nova Scotia and Greenland.
- After flowering, added features are the three-pointed star-shaped seed capsules.
- 8cm-15cm tall, spreading groundcover.
- Propagate by seed sown in autumn or by division.
- Can be too vigorous for growing around groundcovers of similar height.
- Hardy to at least -10degC.
Doug Thomson is curator of the Rhododendron Dell at Dunedin Botanic Garden.
