About

A medium-sized, deciduous shrub to about 2m tall from eastern North America with oval, mid-green leaves and broad, flat-topped clusters of small, white flowers in spring, followed by persistent, deep red to black berries in autumn. An ornamental and wildlife-friendly shrub for a sunny or partly shaded mixed border.

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

Plant details

Suggested usesWoodland gardens, naturalised areas, ground cover

Care notes

CultivationMoist, humus-rich soil in dappled shade. Tolerates dry shade once established
PruningAllow to naturalise. Cut back after seeding if desired
PropagationSelf-seeds readily. Divide clumps in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free