Viola tricolor is popularly known as the Johnny Jump Up by gardeners, and as the Wild Pansy or Heartsease by botanists.
This charming, short-lived perennial belongs to the Viola plant genus. They are highly valued for their charming tri-colored flowers, and adaptability in the garden.
A native of Europe and parts of Asia, this charming plant has long been used in traditional medicine, as well as being a commonly seen ornamental plant.
Johnny Jump Up typically grows to a height of 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm), and has a similar spread.
It carries petite flowers that are usually a mix of purple (usually the dominant color), yellow, and white (hence the 'tricolor' naming in the scientific name).
Flower petals have distinct gradients and merging. They bloom from spring to autumn, and can help to add a wonderful display of color to the garden.
In addition to their long flowering period, gardeners also like this plant as it is easy to grow and care for, and helps to bring pollinators into the garden.
Viola tricolor is a cool-season plant that grows well in USDA Zones 3/4 to 8 and is often treated as a hardy annual in colder areas. It grows well as a biennial, or short-lived perennial in warmer areas. It is considered as H5 hardy by the RHS, making it tolerant to air temperatures of about -10°C (5°F).
It makes a great choice for growing in borders, rock gardens, containers, and, as it can self-seed and is low-growing, can even be used as a ground cover in cooler areas.
How to Grow Viola tricolor in the Garden
Johnny Jump Up should be located in an area subject to full sun to partial shade.
It is adaptable to various soils, including sand, loam, and clay. It will do best in soils that have good drainage and a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Enriching the soil with compost and/or using a slow-release fertilizer can help to maintain strong plants.
Once established, Johnny Jump Ups are a low-maintenance plant. Regular watering is beneficial and especially necessary during dry periods in early summer. This is because they only have shallow roots and may dry out if the soil is not kept moist.
Deadheading spent flowers can help to encourage further blooms, and help to prevent spread.
Although Wild Pansy flowers are often grown as annuals, they can simply be left to self-seed, as they will readily return in subsequent years.
Viola tricolor propagation is done from seeds. Start off indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Alternatively, use cold frames or sow directly into seed beds in spring, or late summer (as a biennial) for early blooms.
Sow seeds into trays containing a seeding compost, then lightly cover seeds with soil. Keep the soil moist and they should germinate in about 1 to 2 weeks.
While Viola tricolor can occasionally be affected by aphids and slugs. Simply keep an eye out for these pests and remove them if present.
Quick Viola tricolor Growing and Care Guide
Scientific Name: Viola tricolor.
Common Names: Johnny Jump Up, Wild pansy, Heartsease, Field pansy.
Growing Zone (USA / UK Hardiness): USDA Zones: 4-8. RHS Hardiness Rating: H5 (Hardy – UK cold winter).
Best Used For / Garden Location: Ideal for beds, borders, containers, rock gardens, and ground cover. Prefers full sun to partial shaded locations.
Plant Details
Life Cycle / Plant Type: Annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial.
Plant Height: 4-8 inches (10-20 cm).
Plant Spread: 4-8 inches (10-20 cm).
Blooms: Spring to early fall.
Flower Details: Small flowers with three colors: purple, yellow, and white.
Leaf Foliage: Heart-shaped, green leaves.
Fruit: Small, three-parted capsules.
Growing Conditions and Location
Best Light Conditions: Full sun to partial shade.
Suitable Soil Types: Prefers well-drained. Tolerates most soils, but enjoys a loamy soil, rich in organic matter.
Sowing / planting: Sow seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after frost danger has passed.
Germination time: Seeds germinate in 14-21 days at 65-70°F (18-21°C).
Propagation: Propagate by seed.
Plant Care: Water regularly. Deadhead spent flowers to help prolong blooming.
Growing in pots and containers: Suitable for containers. Use pots with good drainage, and high-quality potting mix. Water and feed frequently.
Growing as a House plant: Can be grown as a houseplant in bright windowsills, though it requires a cool location to do so.
Further Information
Miscellaneous: Attracts pollinators to the garden such as butterflies, bees, beetles, and hoverflies. Tolerates light frost.
Pests and diseases: Watch for aphids, slugs, and snails.
Common Cultivars / Varieties: No notable cultivars. Viola tricolor is the parent of numerous cultivars in the Viola x wittrockiana group of Garden Pansies.).
Family: Violaceae, the Violet family.
Native: Native to Europe, and parts of Asia.
References and Further Reading: Burke Herbarium; Go Botany.
Common Questions
Does Johnny Jump Up make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Johnny Jump Up flowers can make a lovely addition to your garden. This plant's charming, tri-colored flowers can help to brighten up borders, containers, and rock gardens.
Is Viola tricolor a fragrant plant?
Viola tricolor blossoms have only a light, sweet scent. This is at its strongest in the early morning and evening.
What is the ideal garden location to grow Johnny Jump Up?
The Johnny Jump Up plant prefers to grow in parts of the garden exposed to full sun or partial shade. Plants require a well-drained soil. This makes it a great choice for rock gardens, borders, or for use in the underplanting of larger plants.
Is Wild Pansy invasive in the USA?
Wild Pansy is not considered invasive in the USA. Although it readily self-seeds it does not tend to disrupt native ecosystems.
How do I remove Johnny Jump Up from my garden?
Simply pull out annual plants before they have a chance to set seeds. If you live in an area where the plant can survive as a bi-annual or perennial plant then simply dig it out, removing the entire root system to prevent regrowth.
Summary
Viola tricolor, popularly called Johnny Jump Up by gardeners, is a European native. It enjoys growing in moist well-drained soils exposed to full sun to partial shade. This hardy, self-seeding annual or short-lived perennial has tri-colored flowers and is often described by people as being cheerful.
I hope that you have enjoyed reading this guide on how to grow Johnny Jump Up. You may also enjoy the following growing guides: How to grow Viola odorata, Bush violet, Cyclamen Plant, and Primula plants in the garden.
