Viola Etain

Deliciously scented, Viola 'Etain' is a low-growing, evergreen perennial producing large, creamy-yellow flowers, 1.75 in. across (4 cm), adorned with contrasting lavender-purple edges from spring to fall. Though it blooms the heaviest from late spring to early summer, it will continue to send up flowers sporadically throughout the summer and into fall. The sweet-scented flowers arise from clumps of oval, dark green leaves, which spread to form an elegant ground cover. A classic viola that blooms longer than average and has gorgeous flowers.

• Easily growing up to 6-8 in. tall and wide (15-20 cm).
• A part shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates full sun in cool climate areas. Should be grown in part to full shade in warmer areas. Add mulch to keep the soil cool and moist. Intolerant of heat, humidity and drought.
• This plant is highly versatile and can be used in beds, borders, edging, cottage gardens, rock gardens, woodland gardens, containers or as a ground cover.
• Watch for slugs, snails, glasshouse red spider mite, violet gall midge, pansy leaf spot and powdery mildews. This plant is deer resistant.
• To stimulate additional flower production, plants should be sheared back periodically when blooming begins to decline. Plants can also be sheared back in early spring to remove any winter-damaged foliage.
• Propagate by seed sown in late winter or early spring, or by softwood tip cuttings in spring.