About
A vigorous, spreading, short-lived perennial to about 20cmin height and trailing up to 60cm. Normally grown as an annual or biennial, it can be in flower at almost any time of year depending on sowing date. The flat-faced, rounded flowers up to 5cm across come in a mix of two-tone and self-colours, including yellow, white, and several shades of purple.
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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Bedding
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Hanging basket
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in late winter or early spring for summer flowering, or in summer for winter flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and violet gall midge
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to pansy downy mildew, pansy leaf spot, powdery mildews, a virus and a rust