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Viola tricolor (Heartsease, Johnny-jump-up, Love-in-idleness, Wild pansy)

Viola tricolor Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

(Based on 3 user reviews)

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Viola tricolor vy-OH-lah TRY-kul-or Common Name: Heartsease, Johnny-jump-up, Love-in-idleness, Wild pansy Synonyms: Erpetion Genus: Viola
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 characteristics: Native to Europe and Asia. Heart-shaped leaves. Familiar, pansy "faces" with darker "whiskers."
 Care: Grow in full sun or part shade in fertile, organically rich, moist but well-drained soil. Deadhead regularly.
 Propagation: Sow seed in a cold frame as soon as ripe or in spring. Also self-seeds freely.
 Problems: Violas 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.
Height Less than 6 in.
Spread Less than 6 in.
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Self Seeds; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Early Fall; Early Spring; Early Summer; Fall; Late Spring; Late Summer; Spring; Su
Flower Color Blue Flower; Purple/ Lavender Flower; White Flower; Yellow Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Container
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Annuals,Perennials

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