This annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial is grown for its long season of pansy flowers in shades of purple, blue, yellow, and white. Viola tricolor is pretty in containers, as edging, or as a companion for bulbs. It self-seeds readily.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsNative to Europe and Asia. Heart-shaped leaves. Familiar, pansy "faces" with darker "whiskers."
CareGrow in full sun or part shade in fertile, organically rich, moist but well-drained soil. Deadhead regularly.
PropagationSow seed in a cold frame as soon as ripe or in spring. Also self-seeds freely.
ProblemsViolas are prone to mosaic viruses, downy mildew, powdery mildew, crown and root rot, rust, Botrytis, spot anthracnose, and other fungal leaf spots. Also common are slugs, snails, aphids, and violet leaf midges.
- Genus : Viola
- Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Plant Type : Annuals
- Uses : Color, Containers
- Bloom Time : Early Fall, Early Spring, Early Summer, Fall, Late Spring, Late Summer, Spring, Summer
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Foliage Color : Green
- Maintenance : Low
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Growth Rate : Moderate
- Flower Color : Multicolored
- Characteristics : Self Seeds
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
- Plant Width : Under 6 inches
- Plant Height : Under 6 inches
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