Overview
Viola 'King of the Blacks' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Viola, part of the Violaceae family, with evergreen, semi evergreen foliage. Viola 'King of the Blacks' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, city and courtyard gardens, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Viola 'King of the Blacks' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial within the Viola genus, known for its evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage and distinctive five-petalled flowers. It thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and can tolerate full sun if kept moist, making it suitable for a variety of garden aspects including south, west, and east-facing positions. Hardy to UK zone H5, this cultivar is ideal for cottage and informal gardens, patios, city gardens, flower borders, and as underplanting for roses and shrubs. It provides seasonal interest from spring through to autumn and is propagated by seed sown in late winter or early spring.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Viola
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Viola 'King of the Blacks' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Viola 'King of the Blacks'
- Propagation
- Seed sown in late winter or early spring
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Aphids, Glasshouse red spider mite, Violet gall midge
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Pansy leaf spot, A virus, A rust
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Viola 'King of the Blacks'?
Viola 'King of the Blacks' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Viola 'King of the Blacks' need?
Viola 'King of the Blacks' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Viola 'King of the Blacks' hardy in the UK?
Viola 'King of the Blacks' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Viola 'King of the Blacks'?
Seed sown in late winter or early spring.
More in the Viola genus
- Viola 'Imperial Antique Shades'
- Viola 'Ab5131'PBR
- Viola 'Alice Witter' (Vt)
- Viola 'Beatrice' (Vtta)
- Viola 'Black Knight'
- Viola 'Caroline' (Va)
- Viola 'Cinders' (Vtta)
- Viola 'Clover' (Va)