About
An evergreen perennial viola to 25cm high with dark emerald leaves and, from spring into summer, scented flowers borne on sturdy stems with cream to pale yellow frilly petals edged with violet.
About the genus
Viola can be annuals, biennials or deciduous or evergreen perennials, with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and 5-petalled flowers of characteristic shape
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationBest in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil but will grow in any, moderately fertile soil apart from waterlogged soils. Full sun or partial shade is best but shade is tolerated
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering unless seed is required. Cut back after flowering in summer
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in late winter or early spring or propagate by stem-tip cuttings in spring or late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and violet gall midge
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, pansy leaf spot, a virus and a rust