Alaska violet
Viola langsdorffii
USDA zones3 to 6
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Purple
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Alaska violet (Viola langsdorffii) is a perennial for ground cover, meadows, and low maintenance beds. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It grows 2 to 6 inches tall with rounded, heart-shaped leaves. Large lavender and violet flowers have white-bearded lower petals and yellow at the base. A winter covering of leaves or evergreen boughs helps it.
Pairs well with Royal fern, Hairy aster, and Cheerfulness daffodil.
Native range
AK, CA, OR, and WA; BC.