Which kind of Viola

[WimB]

Does anyone know which Viola species this is? (Both pictures are off the same plant)

[Giles]

It might be Viola labradorica 'Purpurea'
If it is, kill it quick, before it takes over the whole of Belgium 

[WimB]

Hmmm, could be... it sows around a bit but not very much.

[David Nicholson]

It might be Viola labradorica 'Purpurea'
If it is, kill it quick, before it takes over the whole of Belgium 

Well Giles, that answers a question for me I've been digging up clumps of something like that for years without getting rid of it.

[Gerdk]

Hmmm, could be... it sows around a bit but not very much.

Well, that's an reasonable answer to a rude advice .

This violet was long kept for Viola labradorica but in fact it is a version of  the Viola riviniana Purpurea Group - indeed a little bit ' weedy ' if you ever call a violet a weed.
I would like the ' real ' Viola labradorica was as easy as its European relative.

Gerd

[Maggi Young]

On the subject of plants which are "weedy" in that they spread well and seed around of their own volition.........it is my opinion that in later years, as we become frail and less able to keep our gardens to the appearance we might strive after today... that we  will come to be very grateful indeed to these pretty "weeds"... because they will provide us still with colour and beauty long after we can manage to tend those fragile gems that so often occupy our time now!! In  such times we will be glad of such plants which grow and bllom so willingly!!
It's a bit like the old advice.... be nice as you climb the ladder becasue  you  may need the kindness of those you pass as you come down again!..........one days those weeds may be the best flowers in your garden 

[WimB]

I think I'll keep it anyway. It has a nice leaf, a nice flower and it isn't fussy.
I've never had problems with it sowing itself too much... and where it grows in too great quantities I just pull it out and it stays gone.
Maybe it doesn't like my soil too much and that's why it's well-behaved over here. And maybe it will still be here when I come down the ladder (that won't be for some decades, I hope) and fill my garden with nice flowers 

[David Nicholson]

On the subject of plants which are "weedy" in that they spread well and seed around of their own volition.........it is my opinion that in later years, as we become frail and less able to keep our gardens to the appearance we might strive after today... that we  will come to be very grateful indeed to these pretty "weeds"... because they will provide us still with colour and beauty long after we can manage to tend those fragile gems that so often occupy our time now!! In  such times we will be glad of such plants which grow and bllom so willingly!!
It's a bit like the old advice.... be nice as you climb the ladder becasue  you  may need the kindness of those you pass as you come down again!..........one days those weeds may be the best flowers in your garden 

Thank you Grandmama

[Maggi Young]

You're most welcome, Son. 

[Gerdk]

Maggi,
Thanks for providing support! 

Gerd