Viola Altaica
Contents
Description
Viola Altaica is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Violaceae family. It is also known as Altai Mountain Violet and is native to the Altai Mountains of Central Asia. This plant grows up to 30cm in height and has heart-shaped leaves. Viola Altaica blooms from May to July and produces beautiful blue-violet flowers with a yellow center. It is a hardy plant that can survive in cold temperatures and is suitable for rock gardens, borders, and containers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Violaceae |
| Genus | Viola |
Appearance
Viola Altaica has heart-shaped leaves that are dark green in color. The flowers are blue-violet with a yellow center and have five petals. The plant grows up to 30cm in height and spreads up to 20cm in diameter. It is a hardy plant that can survive in cold temperatures.
Care Guide
Viola Altaica is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater it. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Viola Altaica prefers partial shade to full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Viola Altaica is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by the following:
- Aphids: These insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing it to wilt. Use insecticidal soap to control aphids.
- Whiteflies: These insects can cause yellowing of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control whiteflies.
- Rust: This fungal disease can cause yellow or orange spots on the leaves. Use a fungicide to control rust.
Habitat
Viola Altaica is native to the Altai Mountains of Central Asia. It grows in rocky areas, meadows, and forests at elevations of up to 3,000m. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate cold temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Viola Altaica be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Viola Altaica can be grown in containers.
Q: How often should I fertilize Viola Altaica?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is Viola Altaica resistant to pests and diseases?
A: Viola Altaica is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by aphids, whiteflies, and rust.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Viola Altaica?
A: Viola Altaica is hardy in zones 3-9.
Related Plants
- Viola odorata (Sweet Violet)
- Viola tricolor (Wild Pansy)
- Viola sororia (Common Blue Violet)
References
- “Viola altaica.” Flora of China, www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200017347. Accessed 1 Aug. 2021.
- “Viola altaica.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287138. Accessed 1 Aug. 2021.
- “Viola altaica.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/322131/viola-altaica/details. Accessed 1 Aug. 2021.
