Photo: zebedeugalinhaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Alpine Violet Plant Care
Viola biflora L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With delicate heart-shaped leaves that are a deep green color, Viola biflora originates from the woodlands of North America. Plant collectors are drawn to this species for its unique double flowers, each boasting two bright yellow petals that add a whimsical touch to any garden.
Every 3–7 days
Partial shade to full sun
50–70°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Alpine Violet?
Water Alpine Violet every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–70°F (10–21°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Alpine Violet Native To?
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- China
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Korea
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Pakistan
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tajikistan
- The Netherlands
- Turkmenistan
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uzbekistan
What Is the Alpine Violet?
Alpine Violet (Viola biflora) belongs to the Violaceae family within the Viola genus. Alpine Violet is native to Europe, Siberia, Central Asia, India, Pakistan, western and northern China, North Korea, Japan, and Western North America. Alpine Violet is also known as Two-flowered Violet.
Alpine Violet displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Alpine Violet produces small, delicate flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Alpine Violet?
Viola biflora requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Alpine Violet Need?
Alpine Violet thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Alpine Violet Prefer?
Viola biflora grows best at temperatures of 50–70°F. Alpine Violet prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–70°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Alpine Violet?
Well-draining, fertile soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Alpine Violet to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Alpine Violet?
Feed Alpine Violet every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Alpine Violet?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Alpine Violet?
Alpine Violet can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to hooked violet plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Alpine Violet Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Alpine Violet, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Alpine Violet?
Alpine Violet is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Alpine Violet Need?
Alpine Violet grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Alpine Violet is native to Europe, Siberia, Central Asia, India, Pakistan, western and northern China, North Korea, Japan, and Western North America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Alpine Violet is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Viola genus — compare its care with other Viola species on PlantoScan.
Viola is part of the Violaceae plant family — browse all Violaceae genera and species.
Alpine Violet thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Viola Species
Other Viola species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Viola biflora L., family Violaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 936 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Alpine Violet, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: zebedeugalinha, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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