About
A clump-forming, upright herbaceous perennial to about 60cm from western Europe and the Caucasus with pinnate, mid-green leaves and erect racemes of pinkish-violet, pea-like flowers in summer, followed by oblong pods. A little-grown but attractive native perennial for a sunny, well-drained border or wildflower planting.
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 hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toSE Europe
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade and keep dry in winter
PruningNo pruning required; deadhead to prolong flowering unless seed is required
PropagationPropagate by seed
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