Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Violaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Viola can be annuals, biennials or deciduous or evergreen perennials, with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and 5-petalled flowers of characteristic shape
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Best in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil but will grow in any, moderately fertile soil apart from waterlogged soils. Full sun or partial shade is best but shade is tolerated
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in late winter or early spring or propagate by stem-tip cuttings in spring or late summer. May be short-lived so propagate regularly
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Garden edging
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering unless seed is required. Cut back after flowering in summer
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and violet gall midge
Diseases
May be subject to powdery mildews, pansy leaf spot, a virus and a rust
Get involved
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