Viola 'Red Blotch' Penny Series

An annual with a tidy, compact and uniform habit reaching around 10-15cm tall and 15-20cm wide.

Fragrant flowers in shades of red to scarlet with a dark blotch surrounding the tiny yellow eye flower throughout autumn and into spring. Leaves are deep green and oval to heart-shaped.

Best planted in full sun or part shade. Plants in part shade may have leggier growth. Although usually grown as an annual, pansies will overwinter well thanks to a vigorous root system.

Prepare the planting site when soil is moist and easily worked after the first rains in autumn. This way, the soil is still warm so the plants can make root growth before the following summer. Always choose healthy well-grown plants. Remove all perennial weeds and incorporate bark compost or other organic material. On heavy soils, raise the level of beds and borders with extra topsoil and coarse pumice sand. Plant when the soil is moist and warm in autumn or early spring so that a good root system develops to support vigorous new growth. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball put in the plant and firm around the base water in well.

They benefit from a weed-free, well-drained soil rich in organic material. Planting too closely leads to spindly growth, poor flowering and eventual decline. In a well-planned border, the plants in flower should just touch each other to create a full effect without overcrowding. Apply an organic-based fertiliser such as blood & bone at a handful per square metre in spring as new growth begins. Control slugs and snails to prevent damage to tender young shoots.

Bedding plants are usually raised from seed sown under trays under cover. The seedlings are transplanted into small containers for growing before finally being planted out. Transfer seedlings outdoors to be hardened off before planting. Soil should be friable. Prior to planting, rake general-purpose fertiliser into the soil at about 100 grams (about 2 handfuls) per square metre. Plant at the same depth at which the plants were growing in their container, as planting too deeply usually results in failure. Handle carefully to minimise root disturbance.

It is advisable to add organic matter such as compost to the soil every second year and an annual application of lime. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms.

This plant has moderate feeding requirements. If in beds a soluble multi-feed used every six weeks is adequate. Monthly feeding is preferable if in containers or hanging baskets. This feeding will ensure prolific blooming and healthy strong plants. Apply mulch once planted this will help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Water during dry summer periods to prolong flowering.

Bedding plants can be allowed to die each autumn (and often are) then new plants purchased or raised from seed each spring. In autumn pinching back can result in the production of a second flourish of blooms. Alternatively, they can be left in the ground to overwinter and cut back once flowering has subsided ready for a new flush of growth. In autumn or spring, seed can be sown, or alternatively new plants can be purchased in spring. Pansies often seed out themselves so the next season new plants may pop up on their own.

Space evenly when planting out so there is plenty of air movement between plants. This will reduce the risk of mildew developing in warmer temperatures. May also be affected by leaf spot.

Annual