About
A trailing, mat-forming evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial from the USA to around 10cm in height, with silver-green heart-shaped foliage and dark burgundy-red undersides. Small, blue to lavender purple flowers appear in the spring. An ideal variety for groundcover and for rock gardens.
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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Gravel garden, Rock garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering. After flowering cut back vigorous plants to keep compact
PropagationPropagate by seed, or by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and violet gall midge
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, pansy leaf spot, a virus and a rust