About
This collection of mound-forming perennials attaining around 15cm tall and 30cm wide with small, toothed leaves. perfumed flowers are borne on upright stems over a long season from autumn through until the spring. Depending on the mix of cultivars, they may include single, bi or tri-coloured flowers in varying shades of blue, purple, orange and yellow, with or without central dark or white markings and darker veins.
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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
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, Coastal, Rock garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationWill grow in any moderately fertile soil apart from waterlogged soils in full sun or partial shade
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering. Cut back after flowering in summer
PropagationPropagate by stem-tip cuttings in spring or late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and violet gall midge
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, pansy leaf spot, a virus and a rust