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Description
Viola Labradorica, also known as Alpine Labrador Violet, is a beautiful perennial plant that belongs to the Violaceae family. It is native to the Arctic and alpine regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. The plant has a low-growing habit and spreads through its rhizomes to form dense mats. It produces small, fragrant, lavender-blue flowers that bloom in early summer and last for several weeks. The plant’s leaves are heart-shaped and dark green, with a slightly hairy texture.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Dicotyledons |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Violaceae |
| Genus | Viola |
Appearance
Viola Labradorica is a small plant that usually grows up to 10 centimeters tall and 30 centimeters wide. It has heart-shaped, dark green leaves with slightly hairy texture that grow up to 2.5 centimeters long and 3 centimeters wide. The plant produces small, fragrant, lavender-blue flowers that bloom in early summer and last for several weeks. The flowers are about 1 centimeter wide and have five petals with dark purple veins. The plant’s rhizomes spread to form dense mats, making it an excellent ground cover plant.
Care Guide
Viola Labradorica is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here is a guide to help you keep your plant healthy:Water: Viola Labradorica prefers to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season, to keep the soil moist.Fertilization: Viola Labradorica does not require much fertilizer. You can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients.Soil: Viola Labradorica prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy or clay soil.Sunlight: Viola Labradorica prefers partial shade or full sun in cooler climates. In warmer climates, it prefers full shade.Hardiness Zones: Viola Labradorica is hardy in USDA zones 2-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Viola Labradorica is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can still be affected by some common problems such as:Slugs and snails: These pests can cause significant damage to the plant by eating its leaves and flowers. You can control them by using slug and snail baits or by handpicking them.Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and poorly drained soil. It can lead to the plant’s death. To prevent it, make sure to water the plant correctly, and improve the drainage of the soil.
Habitat
Viola Labradorica is native to the Arctic and alpine regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. It grows in rocky areas, meadows, and open woods. The plant prefers cool and moist conditions, and it can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Viola Labradorica a good ground cover plant?
A: Yes, Viola Labradorica is an excellent ground cover plant that forms dense mats and spreads through its rhizomes.Q: Does Viola Labradorica require full sun or shade?
A: Viola Labradorica prefers partial shade or full sun in cooler climates. In warmer climates, it prefers full shade.Q: How often do I need to water Viola Labradorica?
A: Viola Labradorica prefers to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season, to keep the soil moist.Q: What type of soil does Viola Labradorica prefer?
A: Viola Labradorica prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy or clay soil.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Viola Labradorica:- Viola Canadensis- Viola Sororia- Viola Odorata- Viola Tricolor
References
– “Viola labradorica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 2, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=276884&isprofile=0&.- “Viola labradorica.” Plant Finder. Accessed July 2, 2021. https://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scene5a61.html.- “Viola labradorica.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed July 2, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/21514/Viola-labradorica/Details.
