Viola Mixed - Pack of 6 Large Garden-Ready Plants

Create vibrant, multi-coloured displays with this carefully curated selection of mixed violas, featuring a delightful assortment of colours and patterns that brings instant charm to any garden setting. This pack of six large, garden-ready plants provides a wonderful variety of blooms in shades ranging from deep purples and blues to bright yellows, whites, and bicoloured combinations, ensuring continuous colour throughout the cooler months.

Plant Description

This mixed viola collection showcases the full spectrum of these beloved cottage garden favourites, with each plant displaying the characteristic small, pansy-like flowers with their charming "faces" and distinctive markings. The selection typically includes solid colours such as deep purple, sky blue, golden yellow, and pure white, alongside striking bicoloured varieties with contrasting edges or centres. Each compact plant produces masses of delicate blooms above neat, heart-shaped foliage, creating a tapestry of colour when planted together. All plants arrive well-established with robust root systems and numerous flower buds ready to provide immediate garden impact.

Key Features

Colour Variety: Stunning mix of solid colours and bicoloured combinations for maximum visual interest

Extended Flowering: Blooms continuously from autumn through to late spring

Exceptional Hardiness: Survives harsh winter conditions better than most bedding plants

Compact Growth: Perfect for edging, containers, and small garden spaces

Self-Seeding Potential: May naturalise to create informal, cottage garden effects

Pollinator Friendly: Valuable early nectar source for beneficial insects

Growing Requirements

Soil Conditions

Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with good organic content. Performs best in slightly acidic to neutral conditions (pH 6.0-7.5) but tolerates a wide range of soil types. Requires moisture-retentive soil that doesn't become waterlogged during winter months.

Light Requirements

Prefers partial shade to dappled sunlight, particularly during the warmest part of the day. Can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but benefits from afternoon shade in warmer regions to prevent flower fading and extend blooming duration.

Spacing and Planting

Plant 15-20cm apart to allow for mature spread whilst creating good coverage. Set plants at the same depth as in their original containers and firm gently around roots. Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil and eliminate air pockets.

Care Instructions

Watering

Maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the growing season without allowing waterlogging. Water at soil level rather than overhead to prevent foliar diseases. During dry spells, provide deep watering 2-3 times weekly rather than frequent shallow watering.

Feeding

Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during active growth periods to maintain vigorous flowering. Incorporate well-rotted compost or manure into soil before planting for sustained nutrition throughout the season.

Maintenance and Deadheading

Regular removal of spent flowers encourages continuous blooming and prevents excessive self-seeding where not desired. Pinch or cut flowers just above the nearest leaf joint. Light pruning in early summer maintains compact growth habit.

Winter Care

Extremely hardy plants requiring no special protection in most UK climates. In containers, move to sheltered locations during severe weather to protect root systems from freeze damage.

Planting Suggestions

Rainbow Borders

Plant in drifts or mixed groups to create stunning multi-coloured displays along pathways, flower borders, or as underplanting beneath deciduous shrubs.

Container Combinations

Excellent for window boxes, hanging baskets, and patio containers where the colour variety can be appreciated up close. Mix with trailing plants for added texture and structure.

Woodland Gardens

Perfect for naturalising in dappled shade areas where they can self-seed and create informal colonies of mixed colours over time.

Companion Plants

Combines beautifully with spring bulbs like crocuses and dwarf daffodils, pairs well with primroses and polyanthus for extended spring colour, and complements silver-foliaged plants such as dusty miller or lamb's ear that highlight the vibrant flower colours.

Expected Performance

Mature Size: 10-18cm height, 15-25cm spread

Flowering Period: September through June in favourable conditions

Flower Size: 2-4cm diameter depending on variety

Growth Habit: Low, mounding plants with upright flowering stems

Seasonal Growing Guide

Autumn Planting

Ideal planting season when plants establish rapidly in cooling temperatures. Begin flowering almost immediately, providing instant autumn and winter colour.

Winter Performance

Continues flowering through mild periods with exceptional cold tolerance. Survives temperatures down to -15°C in well-drained positions.

Spring Display

Peak flowering period with maximum bloom production. Self-seeds readily if allowed to set seed, creating future displays of mixed colours.

Summer Management

May reduce flowering intensity in hot weather but continues performing in cooler conditions. Benefits from light shade and consistent moisture during peak summer.

Colour Combinations Expected

Typical Mix Includes

Deep purple with yellow centres, sky blue with darker markings, pure white varieties, golden yellow blooms, lavender and pink shades, and striking bicoloured combinations with contrasting edges or patterns.

Design Flexibility

The variety of colours allows for both harmonious pastel schemes and bold, contrasting combinations depending on your garden design preferences.

Special Features

Edible Flowers

All viola flowers are edible with a mild, sweet flavour perfect for salads, desserts, or crystallising for cake decorations.

Historical Interest

Traditional cottage garden plants with folklore associations, often called 'heartsease' and valued in historical herbalism.

Wildlife Value

Provides crucial early season nectar when few other flowers are available, supporting emerging pollinators and beneficial insects.

Growing Tips for Success

Prepare soil well with organic matter before planting. Plant in groups of odd numbers for natural-looking displays. Allow some plants to self-seed for informal, ever-changing colour combinations. Deadhead regularly for continuous flowering but leave some seed heads for wildlife and naturalising.

Troubleshooting Guide

Uneven Flowering: Ensure all plants receive similar light and water conditions

Colour Clashing: Separate strongly contrasting colours with neutral plants if desired

Pest Problems: Generally pest-resistant but monitor for aphids in warm weather

Leggy Growth: Pinch back regularly to maintain compact, bushy habit

Poor Winter Performance: Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot

Design Applications

Formal Gardens

Use for neat edging with colours arranged in patterns or gradients for structured displays.

Informal Gardens

Allow natural mixing and self-seeding for cottage garden charm and ever-changing seasonal displays.

Theme Gardens

Perfect for rainbow gardens, children's gardens, or historical cottage garden recreations.

What's Included

Six large, mixed viola plants in large trays of 6, carefully selected to provide a good variety of colours and patterns. Each plant features well-developed root systems and multiple flower buds, arriving healthy, pest-free, and ready for immediate planting in garden beds or containers. The exact colour combination may vary but will include a pleasing selection of the finest viola varieties.