About
A neat clump-forming perennial to 20cm tall, with ovate leaves and perfumed flowers 4cm wide, the upper petals brownish-maroon with violet and green shading, the lower one yellow with a reddish-brown marking.
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 hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesRock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in late winter or early spring
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