Viola tricolor (Johnny Jump up)

Viola tricolor (Johnny Jump up) is a tufted annual, biennial, or short-lived, evergreen perennial boasting wonderful three-toned flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), atop spreading stems. The blossoms typically feature dark purple upper petals, pale purple or pale yellow middle petals, and a dark yellow lower petal with dark streaks. Blooming over a long season extending from spring to fall, they prefer cool weather and often die back when hot weather arrives. The flowers arise from the attractive evergreen foliage of oval, deeply lobed, green leaves. Viola tricolor spreads widely by profuse self-sowing and delights us by showing up where we least expect it. It is called ‘Johnny Jump up’ in reference to its tendency to throw seeds everywhere. Despite its small size, Viola tricolor has captivated people for centuries.

• Easily growing up to 6-12 in. tall and wide (15-30 cm).
• A full sun to part shade lover, it is best grown in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils.
• This plant is versatile and can be used in beds and borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, city gardens, coastal gardens, containers, or garden edging.
• Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, aphids, glasshouse red spider mites, violet gall midge, powdery mildews, and pansy leaf spots. Deer resistant.
• Cut back after flowering.
• Propagate by seed sown in late winter or early spring.
• Native to Eurasia.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.