This perennial comes in a range of colors from bright jewel tones to sweet pastels.
Violetscome in a whole rainbow of colors.
They’re usually found in bright jewel tones, but softer pastel varieties exist.
Credit: Rob Cardillo
Once violets are in the ground, they’ll reseed for years.
This small plant can stand up well as a cut flower in a small bud vase.
Only consume violet flowers known to come from a pesticide-free source.
Credit: Rob Cardillo
Where to Plant Violet Flowers
Plant violets along garden borders or line walkways with them.
They’re dependable and cheery bloomers for window boxes and hanging baskets in spring.
Plant trailing and spreading types about 10 to 12 inches apart.
Credit: David Nevala
Violet Flower Care Tips
Violas are fairly easy to care for and bloom for many months.
Some woodland species tolerate more shade; they can be planted in areas considered full shade.
For this reason, violets often are treated as annuals and torn out once summer begins.
Credit: Richard Hirneisen
see to it violets have consistent moisture, especially in warmer months, but don’t overwater.
If left in standing water, violets can develop root rot or moldy leaves.
Temperature and Humidity
While violets do ok in the cold, they are neither drought-tolerant nor heat-tolerant.
Credit: Justin Hancock
If it gets hot, add mulch to keep them cool.
Fertilizer
When planting, add aslow-release fertilizerto the soil.
Fertilize again in spring and late summer or early fall to extend bloom time.
Credit: Justin Hancock
Pruning
Deadhead violet flowers topromote new flower growth.
Potting and Repotting Violet
Both the trailing and mounding types of violas are well-suited to pots.
When growing annual-throw in violets in containers, choose a well-drained potting mix.
Credit: Chipper R. Hatter
Using a slow-release fertilizer will help encourage continuous blooms.
The annual plants will fade in hot summer temperatures so will not need repotting.
Pests and Problems
Viola is susceptible to gray mold.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Depending on the climate and soil conditions, your seedlings should emerge in 1 to 2 weeks.
It blooms most heavily in spring and occasionally throughout the summer.
It grows to 5 inches tall and is hardy in Zones 3-9 but is often treated as an annual.
Credit: Justin Hancock
‘Molly Sanderson’ Johnny-Jump-Up
This selection ofViola tricolorhasalmost-black flowersthat are yellow at the throat.
It grows 8 inches tall and is hardy in Zones 3-9.
It’s a heat-resistant variety that grows 1 foot tall in Zones 4-9.
Credit: Laurie Black
A classic cottage garden staple, bleeding heart (Dicentra) has long been a favorite in perennial gardens.
Bleeding heart plants are quick to come up in the spring.
Plants survive down to about 10oF.
A wonderful cool-season perennial, English daisy plants create beautiful, low mats of foliage topped with neat blooms.
They boast cheery blooms as long as the weather isnt too hot.
Zones 4-8
Forget-Me-Not
Forget-me-notsare delicate plants.
Forget-me-nots are excellent in pots, as edgings, and planted close as a groundcover.
These short-lived plants, mostly treated as biennials, reseed generously.
The flowers have bright, tiny yellow eyes and bloom in spring and early summer.
Forget-me-nots are among the few plants that can boast atrue blue color.
Zones 3-8
Frequently Asked Questions
Violets are known for their elusive aroma.
While all pansies are violets, not all violets are pansies.
