Viola 'Mars'
viola 'Mars'
A deciduous perennial, to around 20cm high, with large, broadly oval to heart-shaped green leaves with dark purple veins. Pale lavender flowers are produced in spring, amongst and sometimes before the leaves
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 | Green Purple Variegated | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Purple Variegated | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Violaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- 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
Not established
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil; thrives in part shade, but will tolerate a range of planting positions
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in late winter or early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Garden edging
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering unless seed is required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, violet gall midge
Diseases
May be susceptible to pansy leaf spot, powdery mildews, a rust and virus diseases
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