Parma Violets
- Botanical Name
- Viola odorata. ‘Freckles’: v. sororia
- Plant Type
- Evergreen perennial. ‘Freckles’: Herbaceous Perennial
- Size (HxW)
- 10-20cm x 20-30cm
- Depth & Spacing
- Plant at the same level as in the pot with the crown at soil surface. Plant 20-30cm apart.
- Soil
- Humus rich, cool and well drained soil is ideal.
- Aspect
- Filtered Light is ideal. They won’t flower in deep shade.
- Climate
- Cool to Mediterranean
- Frost
- Hardy
- Water
- Water to establish, then only if rainfall is low during active growth.
- Fertiliser
- Compost is the best food for Parma Violets, if that isn’t available a general purpose fertiliser in autumn is just fine. In pots, a diluted liquid fertiliser is ideal.
- Flowering Time
- Late autumn to spring. ‘Rosina’, ‘Freckles’: Spring to summer
- After Flower Care
- Pinch out spent flowers. Cut back to one third if the plant becomes leggy.
- Notes
- Remove runners to increase flower production - or allow them to spread, then begin pruning. Ideal under deciduous trees as winter sun encourages flower production. Protect the foliage from slugs and snails. Divide in spring as required. They mingle beautifully with Hellebores, Hostas and the like.
