Viola 'Penny Azure': Cool-Season Charm in True Blue

Viola 'Penny Azure'

True blue flowers—a rarity in the viola world—make Viola 'Penny Azure' a treasure for cool-season gardens. Part of the Penny series, bred for uniformity, early flowering, and exceptional overwintering ability, 'Azure' delivers masses of 1–1.25 inch blooms in a clear, sky-blue shade with a tiny yellow eye. Compact plants (4–6 inches tall, spreading to 1 foot) form a tight mound of deep green foliage.

Series Strengths

The Penny series is a top choice for fall, winter, and spring color in mild climates. Plants are day-length neutral, flowering heavily even in short winter days. They're exceptionally cold-tolerant, surviving hard freezes and bouncing back to bloom. The uniform, compact habit (4–6 inches tall, 1 foot spread) makes them ideal for formal plantings, edging, and containers.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to partial shade. Best in cool seasons.
• Height: 4–6 inches.
• Spread: 10–12 inches (1 foot or less).
• Soil: Well-drained, rich in organic matter.
• Water: Moderate. Keep evenly moist, not wet.

Seasonal Uses

Plant in fall for winter color in zones 6–9, or early spring in colder zones. Perfect for pansy/viola beds, containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets. The true blue color pairs beautifully with yellow, white, and orange violas. Also lovely underplanting spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils.

Care Tips

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous bloom. Fertilize at planting with slow-release formula, and feed lightly monthly. Protect from extreme heat—violas decline in summer. In warm climates, provide afternoon shade. Edible flowers can garnish salads and desserts.

Viola 'Penny Azure'—rare true blue for cool-season gardens, with the uniformity and cold tolerance pros demand.