About
An evergreen perennial forming mounds of shiny, deep-green rounded to heart-shaped leaves with sweetly-scented, large deep-purple flowers borne in late winter or early spring.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Coastal
FragranceFlower
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 keep compact
PropagationPropagate by stem cuttings in spring or late summer
Pest resistanceMay be damaged by slugs, snails, aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, violet leaf gall midge
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, pansy leaf spot, a virus and a rust