Contents
Description
Viola Praemorsa, commonly known as the Alpine Violet, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Violaceae family. It is native to western North America, particularly in high altitude areas of the Rocky Mountains.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Violaceae |
| Genus | Viola |
Appearance
Viola Praemorsa has a basal rosette of leaves with rounded or heart-shaped blades that can grow up to 6 inches long. Its flowers, which bloom from May to August, are solitary with five petals that are blue-violet, lavender, or white in color. The flowers are usually around ¾ inch wide and have a yellow center. The plant grows up to 4-8 inches tall and spreads through underground rhizomes.
Care Guide
Viola Praemorsa prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It thrives in partial shade and can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept moist. It requires regular watering and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Viola Praemorsa is hardy to USDA zones 3-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Viola Praemorsa is susceptible to aphids, slugs, and snails. It can also be affected by powdery mildew and downy mildew, which can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Viola Praemorsa is native to high altitude areas of the Rocky Mountains in western North America, particularly in subalpine meadows and coniferous forests. It prefers well-draining soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Viola Praemorsa a good plant for rock gardens?
A: Yes, Viola Praemorsa is a great plant for rock gardens because it prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Can Viola Praemorsa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Viola Praemorsa can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant is kept in partial shade.
Q: Does Viola Praemorsa attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Viola Praemorsa is attractive to bees and butterflies.
Q: Can Viola Praemorsa be propagated by seed?
A: Yes, Viola Praemorsa can be propagated by seed, but it can also be propagated by dividing the rhizomes.
Related Plants
- Viola Canadensis
- Viola Odorata
- Viola Sororia
- Viola Tricolor
References
- “Viola Praemorsa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 29 October 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279463&isprofile=0&
- “Viola Praemorsa.” Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest. Accessed 29 October 2021. https://www.pnwflowers.com/flower/viola-praemorsa
- “Viola Praemorsa.” Plant Database. Accessed 29 October 2021. https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/viola/praemorsa/
