About
A tufted, perennial subshrub to around 20cm in height with small, thick, succulent-like dark green glossy leaves with wavy edges. subtle purple or white flowers with a yellow eye appear in spring to summer. Ideal for an alpine garden or in a rockery.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering. After flowering cut back vigorous plants to keep compact
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in late winter or early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, glasshouse red spider mite and violet gall midge
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, pansy downy mildew, pansy leaf spot, a virus and a rust