Viola Celestial Midnight

Noted for its winter hardiness and heat tolerance, Viola 'Celestial Midnight' is a compact, rounded, evergreen perennial prized for its abundance of fragrant, dark, rich violet flowers blushed with burgundy and adorned with a bright yellow eye. Produced from early spring to late fall, they will bloom through the summer in the Midwest. In the Southeast, they will quit blooming, but their foliage will thrive, and they will rebloom in the fall. Sometimes they will flower all winter in mild climate areas. The scented flowers of this ever-blooming pansy arise from a low, bushy mound of rich dark green leaves, which spreads to form an elegant ground cover. Adding cheerfulness to the landscape, this hardy pansy is excellent for massing, edging, rock gardens, and in mixed containers.

• Easily growing up to 8 in. tall (20 cm) and 14 in. wide (35 cm).
• A part shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates full sun in cool climate areas. Add mulch to keep the soil cool and moist.
• 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 mites, violet gall midge, pansy leaf spots, and powdery mildews. This plant is deer resistant.
• Trim back in early summer to promote new growth.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings.