Viola Heartthrob

Description and Characteristics

Viola 'Heartthrob' is a truly eye-catching perennial viola grown primarily for its ornamental foliage rather than flowers—though it does produce small blooms, its standout feature is its deep green, heart-shaped leaves with a striking rich burgundy-red centre. This foliage effect creates year-round interest, making it perfect for contrasting with flowering plants in containers and borders.

Unlike traditional violas that are grown mainly for seasonal flowers, 'Heartthrob' functions beautifully as a low-maintenance groundcover, foliage accent, or border edge. It typically grows in a compact mound reaching around 10–15 cm tall and 20–30 cm across, with tidy, spreading growth that remains attractive through most of the year.

It is semi-evergreen in mild climates and grows well in cool, moist, partly shaded areas, although it can tolerate some sun with adequate moisture. ‘Heartthrob’ is particularly effective in mixed containers, shade borders, and woodland-style gardens.

• Grown for heart-shaped green leaves with dark red centres

• Low-growing, neat mounding habit: 10–15 cm high, 20–30 cm spread

• Small purple flowers may appear in spring/summer, but are secondary to foliage

• Ideal for containers, borders, shade gardens, and underplanting

• Semi-evergreen in mild climates, deciduous in cold zones

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Viola 'Heartthrob' is a low-maintenance, easy-care perennial best suited to moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It thrives with regular moisture and occasional grooming.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers partial shade to full shade

  • Will tolerate morning sun if soil remains moist

  • Too much direct summer sun can scorch foliage

• Soil Preferences:

  • Grows best in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil

  • Suitable for loam, clay-loam, or woodland-type compost

  • Avoid overly dry or waterlogged sites

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist, especially in dry weather

  • Avoid letting soil dry out completely, particularly in containers

  • Mulch annually to help retain moisture

• Feeding:

  • Feed lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser

  • Container-grown plants may benefit from a monthly liquid feed during the growing season

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Remove old or damaged leaves to keep the plant tidy

  • Deadhead any spent flowers to prolong blooming if flowering is desired

  • Divide clumps every 2–3 years to rejuvenate and control spread

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 5–9 (RHS H5)

  • In colder climates, foliage may die back—mulch in late autumn to protect crowns

  • In containers, move to a sheltered spot in winter

Design Uses, Companion Plants, and Seasonal Interest

Viola 'Heartthrob' is valued for its bold foliage contrast, low habit, and ability to tie together plantings in containers and shaded borders. It works as an excellent foliage foil for flowering perennials and adds texture to shaded gardens.

• Design Applications:

  • Perfect for front-of-border edging, containers, window boxes, and underplanting shrubs

  • Great for shaded patio containers and woodland gardens

  • Excellent as a groundcover under roses, ferns, or hostas

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with heuchera, tiarella, pulmonaria, hostas, and hellebores

  • Complements flowering plants like brunnera, lamium, or astilbe

  • Adds contrast to silver foliage or brightly coloured flowers

• Seasonal Interest:

  • Spring/Summer: Occasional small purple blooms; bold foliage forms dense mounds

  • Autumn: Foliage colour intensifies in cooler weather

  • Winter: May remain semi-evergreen in mild regions; re-emerges reliably in spring

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally trouble-free

  • May occasionally be nibbled by slugs or snails in damp conditions—use deterrents or traps

  • Watch for aphids or fungal spots if overcrowded—ensure good airflow

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.