Viola 'Silver Gem'

Viola 'Silver Gem'

$10.95

Viola walteri 'Silver Gem' is a ground hugging perennial prized for its silvery green foliage and delicate lavender blue flowers that appear in spring. Native to the Southeastern US, this violet thrives in dry shade and spreads gently via trailing stolons to form a soft carpet under trees or along woodland edges. Its subtle blooms and shimmering leaves make it an elegant choice for naturalistic plantings.

Height & Spread: 3 - 4 in x 12 - 18 in

Bloom Time: Mid spring

Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade

Soil Preference: Well drained soil; tolerates clay and dry conditions once established

Watering Needs: Low to moderate; prefers occasional moisture but drought tolerant once established

Deer Resistance: Deer tend to avoid foliage and flowers

Native Status

Viola walteri is native to the southeastern United States. Its adaptability to shaded and dry woodland environments makes it a valuable ground layer in native plant gardens.

WILDLIFE & INSECTS

Bees

  • Attracts native solitary bees and early emerging bumblebees with its spring blooms.

Butterflies

  • Serves as a larval host for species such as the Great Spangled Fritillary and Variegated Fritillary.

Birds

  • Ground cover provides nesting habitat and cover for ground foraging birds like sparrows and towhees.

Spacing & Landscape Use

Spacing Recommendations:

  • Plant 12 - 18 in apart to create a uniform carpet in woodland or shady borders.

Landscape Placement:

  • Ideal for shaded slopes, underplantings, and woodland edge trails where texture and subtle blooms are desired.

Companion Plants

  • Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ (False Forget Me Not) - Bright silver leaves with blue flowers contrast beautifully with Viola’s purple blooms and silver toned foliage.
  • Epimedium x versicolor ‘Sulphureum’ (Barrenwort) - Early spring yellow flowers and delicate foliage pair well under dappled shade with Viola’s spreading form.
  • Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ (Sedge) - Fine textured variegated grass like foliage provides dynamic contrast and visual movement.
  • Heuchera ‘Plum Pudding’ (Coral Bells) - Deep purple foliage complements the soft tones of Viola and adds texture contrast.
  • Asarum canadense (Wild Ginger) - Native groundcover with bold leaves that coexist well in shaded woodland settings.

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