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Herbaceous Perennial
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | Blue | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Violaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- 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
- Horticultural Group
- Violas are compact reliably perennial, clump-forming plants with a complex root system and rounded, more or less fragrant flowers, often with darker rays, over a long period in late spring and summer
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by softwood tip cuttings in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Coastal
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
Pruning
Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and violet gall midge
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, pansy leaf spot, pansy downy mildew, a virus and a rust
Get involved
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