Viola Penny™ Yellow Blotch Viola

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-11 Inches

Mature Spread

6-11 Inches

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Like other violas, the Penny Yellow Blotch is known for its playful, face-like flowers. In this case, they are large and bright yellow with central black whiskers. What sets it apart from other violas is an ability to tolerate heat without becoming leggy and an extensive root system that allows it to overwinter well. Additionally, the fragrant flowers are edible, and make an attractive garnish.

The Penny violas are cultivars of the Viola cornuta species. Their compact, mounded form makes them easy to care for and keep looking tidy throughout the long growing season. When established, violas like this one are among the first plants to pop up and flower each year. They are useful small plants for containers, adding color to an herb/edible garden, or filling in around larger plants in a landscape. 

Viola Penny™ Yellow Blotch Viola Care

This type of viola can withstand the hot sun better than other violas, but may perform at its peak with a bit of protection from the afternoon sun. They grow well in average soil. Regular watering during dry spells when the soil feels dry to the touch encourages vigor. Plants grown in full sun or containers will require more frequent watering. Fertilize plants lightly in spring and early summer for maximum performance. 

Penny Yellow Blotch violas can thrive without much attention, but regularly snipping off spent flowers encourages constant blooms throughout the plant’s long growing season. You can also trim the plant to force more branching and a flush of growth, if desired.

Viola Penny™ Yellow Blotch Viola Spacing

Penny Yellow Blotch violas grow 4 to 6 inches tall with a spread of 6 to 8 inches. Allow each plant to have about 6 inches of space in the ground or in a container with plenty of drainage.