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Herbaceous Perennial

Viola 'Ardross Gem' (Va)

viola 'Ardross Gem'

A low-growing, compact evergreen perennial with neat, dark green, oval-shaped, toothed leaves. Small but plentiful rich, dark purple-blue flowers with golden yellow on the lower petals appear from spring through to autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
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 Purple Gold Yellow Green
Summer Purple Gold Yellow Green
Autumn Purple Gold Yellow Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Violaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
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

Unresolved

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

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

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering

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, pansy downy mildew, a virus and a rust

Get involved

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