Viola arvensis

RHS Plant Profile
field pansy
Annual Biennial

An annual or biennial wildflower, with a basal rosette of spoon-shaped leaves with bluntly toothed edges. Flowers from spring through to late summer, with leafy, upright stems bearing small, creamy white flowers, around 1cm across, with a yellow mark flecked with purple on the lower petal

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Violaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
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
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in any well-drained soil in an open, sunny spot; often found in fields and on waste ground

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in situ in autumn or spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids and violet leaf midges

Diseases

Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to pansy leaf spot, powdery mildews, a rust and virus diseases