Plant Overview
A low, compact mat of neat foliage with rich mauve- blue flowers, splashed with yellow on the chin, raised above.
'Ardross Gem' works well at the front of a border or in a large pot in light shade. The mat of leaves spreads to cover the soil and stops it drying out; the flowers bob about in the clear space above.
Height: 15cm
Violas are plants with real personality and they can't help but lift you as you see their smiling faces and catch their perfumed scent as you pass. Few plants can match the length of the flowering season of violas. Many of the hybrids start flowering in April and continue to flower throughout the summer and autumn, often into November.
Violas are remarkably versatile and suit a range of garden situations. They work well at the front of a border and also look lovely in pots and containers. They work equally well on their own or mixed with other plants. The more vigorous cornuta's are good for underplanting shrubs, providing they get some sun.
All Violas like some sun, although they are happy in partial shade. They tolerate a wide range of soils too, just make sure it's not too wet or too dry. They benefit from an occasional feed and deadheading promotes further flowers.
Common name(s): Perennial viola
