Overview
Viola 'Sunny Jim' (Va) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Viola, part of the Violaceae family, with evergreen, semi evergreen foliage. Viola 'Sunny Jim' (Va) grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, city and courtyard gardens, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Viola 'Sunny Jim' is a herbaceous perennial cultivar of the Viola genus, known for its clump-forming habit and evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage. Like other Violas, it typically has flowers with five distinctive petals and thrives in moist, humus-rich soil, tolerating full sun if kept moist. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and suitable for a variety of garden settings including cottage gardens, patios, city courtyards, flower borders, and as underplanting for roses and shrubs. This cultivar provides seasonal interest from spring through to autumn.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Viola
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Viola 'Sunny Jim' (Va) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Viola 'Sunny Jim' (Va)
- Propagation
- Seed sown in late winter or early spring
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Aphids, Glasshouse red spider mite, Violet gall midge
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Pansy leaf spot, A virus, A rust
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Viola 'Sunny Jim' (Va)?
Viola 'Sunny Jim' (Va) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Viola 'Sunny Jim' (Va) need?
Viola 'Sunny Jim' (Va) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Viola 'Sunny Jim' (Va) hardy in the UK?
Viola 'Sunny Jim' (Va) has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Viola 'Sunny Jim' (Va)?
Seed sown in late winter or early spring.
More in the Viola genus
- Viola 'Imperial Antique Shades'
- Viola 'Ab5131'PBR
- Viola 'Alice Witter' (Vt)
- Viola 'Beatrice' (Vtta)
- Viola 'Black Knight'
- Viola 'Caroline' (Va)
- Viola 'Cinders' (Vtta)
- Viola 'Clover' (Va)