Botanical name:

Viola cunninghamii

Common name(s):

Mountain violet, white violet

About:

A tufted species characterised by somewhat triangular leaves that create an attractive appearance. The beautiful viola flowers, which can range in colour from white to purple, are typically borne throughout the warm months from spring to autumn. This fascinating plant is found in a diverse array of damp habitats across New Zealand, thriving in conditions that vary from sea level all the way up to impressive heights of 1800m. It is particularly suitable for placement in rock gardens, where it can flourish equally well in both sun and shade, provided that the soil remains reasonably moist. In comparison, V. filicaulis shares similarities but is distinct in its creeping habit and is known to be a prolific seeder, allowing it to spread with ease in suitable environments.

Natural habitat:

In montane areas & elevated mountain habitats such as alpine herb-fields, grasslands and grassy heaths.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Wetland, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South and Stewart Islands from East Cape and Central Volcanic Plateau south.

Height: 8cm

Flowering: 

(September) October – February with a white to violet-purple coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

(November) December – March –(April)

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings, Forests & Wetland’s

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed or division.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though