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Herbaceous Perennial

Viola odorata 'Wellsiana' (Vt)
  • RHS AGM

sweet violet 'Wellsiana'

A compact semi-evergreen perennial forming a spreading clump to 10cm in height, with dark green leaves and large, long-stemmed, very fragrant, deep purple flowers

Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Purple Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Violaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Matforming
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

Unresolved

Horticultural Group
Violets are stoloniferous perennials with small, highly fragrant, self-coloured purple, blue or white flowers in late winter and early spring

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by stem cuttings in spring or late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Garden edging
  • Ground cover
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering. After flowering cut back vigorous plants to keep compact

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, violet gall midge

Diseases

May be subject to powdery mildews, pansy leaf spot, a virus and a rust

Get involved

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