About
A compact evergreen perennial to 20cm high, with ovate, shallowly lobed leaves. Produces strongly aromatic, pale silver-mauve flowers, flushed cream on the lower petals and with yellow centres, on upright stems from spring to midsummer.
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
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Bushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, 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 maintain shape
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe, or by softwood cuttings in spring or late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids, red spider mites and violet leaf midges
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildews, rust diseases and virus diseases