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The lilac pink form of this vigorous species spreads around freely from seed, and pops up here and there in a delightful way. If it is allowed to get away with it, it will swallow up vast
areas of ground and become a real nuisance. The correct identification for this pinkish form is still a matter of debate. I originally obtained it as V. arenaria 'Rosea', a synonym of V. rupestris. I thought for a while that it might be a pink form of it, but it doesn't have the short hairs on the petioles that are characteristic of that species. The BSBI say: "V. riviniana is not just the most common and widespread British dog-violet by a long way; it is also the most variable and 'plastic' in its response to environmental conditions (Valentine 1949). Porter & Foley (2018) mention and illustrate three colour forms or cultivars that are in garden cultivation: pure white, purple and pink." Jekka's Herb Farm say: "Rose coloured flowers with a pale spur. Heart-shaped, mid green leaves. Culinary; the flowers are edible, add to sweet or savory salads." |
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| 21st April 2006 | ||
