Viola x wittrockiana 'Patiola Bronze Red' — Clump forming

Overview

Viola x wittrockiana 'Patiola Bronze Red' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Viola, part of the Violaceae family, with evergreen, semi evergreen foliage. Viola x wittrockiana 'Patiola Bronze Red' 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 x wittrockiana 'Patiola Bronze Red' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Violaceae that flowers in April, May, June, September and October. It carries evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage and suits full sun or partial shade. The plant prefers moist but well-drained chalk, clay, loam or sandy soils across acid to alkaline pH. Use it in containers, borders or as an underplanting beneath roses and shrubs.

About the genus

Viola, commonly known as the violets, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Violaceae. It is the largest genus in the family, containing over 680 species. Most species are found in the temperate Northern Hemisphere; however, some are also found in widely divergent areas such as Hawaii, Australasia, and the Andes.

Wikipedia contributors, "Viola (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Viola (plant)

In the garden

Viola x wittrockiana 'Patiola Bronze Red' is a cultivated garden viola in the Violaceae, grown for repeated spring and autumn flowering. As a clump-forming herbaceous perennial it maintains evergreen to semi-evergreen leaves through much of the year and will flower in April, May, June, September and October. It is classed H5, meaning it is hardy in UK conditions without winter protection in most areas. Plant it where it will receive full sun or partial shade; south-, west- or east-facing aspects are all suitable. It tolerates exposed and sheltered sites provided the soil remains moist but well-drained. Compatible soils include chalk, clay, loam and sand and it performs across acid, neutral and alkaline pH ranges. For containers use a free-draining compost and avoid waterlogging to reduce crown rot. Patiola Bronze Red suits cottage and informal gardens, patios and city courtyards, flower borders and beds, and works well as an underplanting for roses and shrubs where its persistent foliage helps mask bare stems. Regular deadheading after the main flush will help carry display into the autumn months of September and October, extending colour at bed edges when many plants are starting to fade.

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 x wittrockiana 'Patiola Bronze Red' 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 x wittrockiana 'Patiola Bronze Red'

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 x wittrockiana 'Patiola Bronze Red'?

Viola x wittrockiana 'Patiola Bronze Red' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Viola x wittrockiana 'Patiola Bronze Red' need?

Viola x wittrockiana 'Patiola Bronze Red' 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.