About
A compact hardy annual to 25cm high, with ovate, shallowly lobed green leaves. Produces abundant, small bluish-purple flowers, with black streaked centres, on upright stems from late autumn into 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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Hanging basket
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 summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids, red spider mites and violet leaf midges
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, leaf spot, rust diseases and virus diseases