About
This short-lived, evergreen perennial to about 15cm, often grown as an annual. Flowers, produced from early summer to late autumn, have rich purple upper petals, and pale purple to yellow lower petals, with dark purple whiskers.
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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Annual Biennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering. After flowering, cut back vigorous plants to maintain shape
PropagationPropagate by seed, or by softwood tip cuttings in spring or late summer. May be short-lived so propagate regularly
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids, red spider mites and violet leaf midges
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, pansy leaf spot, a virus and a rust