About
This stemless, rhizomatous perennial to 15cm tall with deciduous, heart-shaped leaves to 10cm long. Short-spurred, violet-blue flowers to 2cm in diameter are borne on leafless stalks in 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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Native toE North America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; self seeds freely
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering unless seed is required
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