Viola Red Blotch - Pack of 6 Large Garden-Ready Plants
Transform your garden with these stunning Viola Red Blotch plants, featuring vibrant purple petals adorned with distinctive burgundy-red markings. This pack of six large, garden-ready plants offers exceptional value for creating beautiful displays in borders, containers, or as ground cover. Perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking reliable, long-flowering colour.
Key Features
These hardy violas boast compact, bushy growth with heart-shaped leaves and an abundance of cheerful flowers. The striking red blotch pattern creates a captivating contrast against the rich purple petals, making each bloom a miniature work of art. The plants arrive well-established and ready for immediate planting.
Growing Requirements
Light Conditions
Violas thrive in partial shade to full sun positions. They perform exceptionally well in morning sun with afternoon shade, particularly during warmer months. In cooler climates, full sun exposure encourages maximum flowering.
Soil Preferences
Plant in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. These adaptable plants tolerate various soil types but perform best in moist, humus-rich conditions. Improve heavy clay soils with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure.
Watering Needs
Maintain consistent moisture levels, especially during dry spells. Water at soil level to prevent fungal issues on leaves and flowers. In containers, check daily during warm weather as pots dry out more quickly than garden beds.
Planting Instructions
Spacing and Positioning
Space plants 15-20cm apart to allow for mature spread. These violas reach approximately 15cm in height with a similar spread. Choose locations protected from strong winds whilst ensuring good air circulation.
Seasonal Planting
Plant in spring after the last frost for summer colour, or in autumn for winter and early spring displays in milder climates. In colder regions, treat as annuals and replant each season.
Care and Maintenance
Feeding Requirements
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser at planting time. Supplement with liquid feed every 2-3 weeks during the growing season to maintain vigorous flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Deadheading and Pruning
Regular deadheading extends the flowering period significantly. Remove spent blooms by pinching or cutting just above the next leaf joint. Trim back leggy growth mid-season to encourage fresh, compact growth.
Pest and Disease Management
Generally trouble-free, violas may occasionally suffer from aphids or slugs. Monitor regularly and treat with appropriate organic or chemical controls as needed. Ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew in humid conditions.
Uses in the Garden
Container Gardening
Excellent for window boxes, hanging baskets, and patio containers. Combine with trailing plants like ivy or bacopa for stunning arrangements. Their compact size makes them ideal for small spaces.
Border and Bedding
Perfect as edging plants or massed in drifts for maximum impact. They complement spring bulbs beautifully and provide colour between larger perennials. Excellent for cottage garden schemes.
Companion Planting
Pairs wonderfully with primroses, small daffodils, crocuses, and other spring flowers. In summer containers, combine with silver-leaved plants like dusty miller or white alyssum for elegant contrasts.
Seasonal Interest
These violas provide extended flowering from spring through to late autumn in favourable conditions. In mild winter areas, they may flower intermittently through winter months. The distinctive red blotch marking remains consistent throughout the flowering season.
What You Receive
Six robust, garden-ready viola plants supplied in large trays of 6. Plants arrive healthy, well-rooted, and ready for immediate transplanting. Each plant is clearly labelled and comes with basic care instructions.
Garden Benefits
Beyond their ornamental value, violas attract beneficial insects including bees and butterflies. The flowers are edible and make charming additions to salads or cake decorations. These reliable performers provide excellent value with their long flowering season and easy-care nature.