Heartsease (Viola tricolor) vy-OH-lah TRY-kul-or 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.

Overview

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, Summer Flower Color Blue, Purple, White, Yellow Uses Beds and Borders, Container Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Annuals