Viola Beacon Series

RHS Plant Profile
pansy Beacon Series
Annual Biennial Bedding

A compact, short-lived perennial to about 15cm, normally grown as an annual or biennial, which can be in flower at almost any time of year depending on sowing date. The flat-faced, rounded flowers come in a mix of two-tone yellow, purple, orange and dark red, with paler upper petals and a small, golden eye

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Violaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

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

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in late winter or early spring for summer flowering, or in summer for winter flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Bedding
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to pansy downy mildew, pansy leaf spot, powdery mildews, a virus and a rust