Silver Gem Violet
Viola walteri 'Silver Gem'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
6 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium to dry
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Southeastern North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Viola walteri, commonly known as Walter's violet, is a low-growing perennial with lush, heart-shaped green foliage and delicate, five-petaled violet-blue flowers that bloom in spring and early summer. This cultivar, Silver Gem, is distinguished by its shimmering silvery-white variegation on the foliage, adding a striking contrast and ornamental appeal to garden borders and shaded areas.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity
- Plant in shaded or partially shaded areas
- Water consistently to keep soil moist
- Divide every 2-3 years for vigorous growth
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture
Pro Tip
Use rich, well-draining soil and keep soil moist for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist
- Mulch to conserve moisture ❌
- Provide shade during hot afternoons
- Divide and replant in early spring
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage blooms
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
- Don’t expose to full sun, it prefers shade
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers which promote foliage over flowers
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Silver Gem Violet questions
What zones can Silver Gem Violet grow in?
Silver Gem Violet is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Silver Gem Violet deer resistant?
Yes — Silver Gem Violet is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Silver Gem Violet bloom?
Silver Gem Violet typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Silver Gem Violet need full sun?
Silver Gem Violet does best in part shade.
Is Silver Gem Violet drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Silver Gem Violet handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Viola to compare
Common Blue Violet
Viola sororia
Bird's Foot Violet
Viola pedata
Pansy
Viola wittrockiana 'Painted Porcelain'
Northern Lights Horned Violet
Viola cornuta 'Northern Lights'
Rebecca Horned Violet
Viola cornuta 'Rebecca'
Whopping Purple Whiskers Pansy
Viola tricolor 'Whopping Purple Whiskers'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Silver Gem Violet with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
