Viola tricolor (Heartsease): Charming Self-Seeding Pansy Faces

Overview

Heartsease (Viola tricolor) is a dainty annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial grown for its long season of pansy-like flowers in purple, blue, yellow, and white with characteristic whiskered faces. Heart-shaped leaves. Native to Europe and Asia. Self-seeds readily. Perfect for containers, edging, and bulb companions.

Growing Conditions

Full sun to part shade in fertile, organically rich, moist but well-drained soil. Deadhead regularly. Cool-season performer.

Care and Maintenance

Sow seed in cold frame when ripe or in spring. Self-seeds freely. Deadhead to prolong bloom. Cut back if leggy.

Common Problems

Mosaic viruses, downy/powdery mildew, crown/root rot, rust, botrytis, leaf spots. Slugs, snails, aphids, violet leaf midges.

Landscape Uses

• Containers and window boxes
• Edging and borders
• Bulb companions
• Rock gardens
• Self-seeding naturalized areas

Key Features

• Pansy faces with whiskers in multiple colors
• Heart-shaped leaves
• Long bloom season
• Self-seeds readily
• Native to Europe/Asia
• Under 6 inches tall