About
This tufted annual, biennial or short-lived, evergreen perennial with spreading stems, producing flowers 2.5cm or more across, from spring to autumn. The blooms typically have dark purple upper petals, pale purple or pale yellow middle petals and a dark yellow lower petal, with dark streaks creating a whiskery 'face'. Other colours may include lavender blue and cream.
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
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
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, Rock garden, Patio and container plants
Native toEurasia
Care notes
CultivationBest in moist soil but will grow in any moderately fertile soil apart from waterlogged soils. Full sun or partial shade is best but shade is tolerated
PruningCut back after 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