About

This compact herbaceous perennial to 15cm, with green foliage. Single, bi-colour bright yellow and purple-blue flowers with purple-blue blotches on the yellow petals and a central burgundy-red blotch, appear in autumn through to the 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 typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationGrow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in late winter or early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, violet gall midge
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, pansy leaf spot, a virus and a rust