About
A hardy perennial to about 15cm, forming a mat of dark green, heart-shaped leaves. In late winter and early spring produces small, scented, semi-double, blue-purple flowers with a purple and white centre.
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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageSemi evergreen
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
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil. Ideally choose a position with winter sun and summer shade, such as under deciduous trees, shrubs or hedges
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering. After flowering cut back vigorous plants to keep compact
PropagationPropagate by stem cuttings in spring or late summer, or by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, glasshouse red spider mite and violet gall midge
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, pansy downy mildew, pansy leaf spot, a virus and a rust