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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
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–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
- 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 seed sown in late winter or early spring, or by softwood tip cuttings in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Rock garden
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
Pruning
Deadhead regularly and cut back in autumn
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, a virus and a rust
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