Description
Viola ‘Red Blotch’ — Bold Ruby Faces for Cool-Season Pop
Want flowers that read from the curb and still charm up close? Viola ‘Red Blotch’ delivers. Each bloom shows rich crimson petals with a dramatic, darker “blotch” at the center. A golden eye glows. Fine whiskers pull your gaze inward. The plants stay compact and tidy. The color lasts for months in cool weather. In other words, you get bold, graphic flowers without high effort. We plant it in fall and spring. We enjoy it again and again.
This deep-dive gives you everything—why ‘Red Blotch’ stands out, how to plant it right, and the simple care that keeps blooms coming. We keep the words clear. We keep the steps short. And we focus on wins you can see in beds, borders, and containers.
Why We Love Viola ‘Red Blotch’
- Signature face. Deep ruby petals with a darker central blotch and a sunny golden eye.
- Long, cool-season show. Fall through spring in mild regions; spring into early summer in cooler zones.
- Compact habit. Neat 6–8 inch mounds that look “finished” on day one.
- Design power. The dark blotch adds depth and drama from any distance.
- Beginner friendly. Quick to plant. Easy to maintain. Rewarding fast.
But most of all, this viola commands attention. The red reads warm. The blotch reads bold. Together, they turn a simple border into a statement. On cloudy days, the petals glow. In bright sun, they look like velvet.
Plant Profile at a Glance
Type: Cool-season annual (short-lived perennial in very mild climates)
Group: Viola × wittrockiana selection (pansy-type viola)
Height: 6–8 inches
Spread: 8–10 inches
Habit: Low, mounded, and dense
Bloom time: Heaviest in cool weather; peak in early spring
Fragrance: Light and sweet on warm afternoons
Foliage: Soft green, rounded leaves that frame the vivid blooms
In good light, the plants hold their shape. They do not flop. After more than a few weeks, nearby mounds knit together, creating a plush, polished edge.
Where ‘Red Blotch’ Thrives
Light: Full sun to part shade. In warmer zones, aim for morning sun with afternoon shade.
Soil: Loose, well-drained, and rich in organic matter.
pH: Neutral to slightly acidic is ideal.
Water: Keep evenly moist, never soggy.
Violas love cool roots. A one-inch mulch helps. It holds moisture, steadies temperature, and keeps weeds down. Instead of fighting dry spots, you set the plant up for an easy life.
Best Planting Windows by Region
- Cool and cold zones (3–6): Plant in early spring as soon as soil can be worked. You can also plant in early fall; protect fresh transplants from the first hard freeze.
- Moderate zones (6–8): Plant in fall for color through winter and spring.
- Warm zones (8–10): Plant in fall for peak bloom during the coolest months; provide light shade as spring heat builds.
If a hard freeze is forecast, cover new plantings at dusk with frost cloth and remove it in the morning. Simple protection. Big payoff.
Step-by-Step Planting
1) Prepare the bed.
Loosen the top 8–10 inches of soil. Mix in compost to improve drainage and texture. Break clods so roots can move with ease.
2) Space for fullness.
Set plants 8–10 inches apart. They fill fast and form a smooth, connected look.
3) Plant at the right depth.
Keep the crown level with surrounding soil. Firm gently. Water to settle and remove air pockets.
4) Mulch lightly.
Add a thin layer to cool the root zone and steady moisture.
5) First feeding.
Work a slow-release, balanced fertilizer into the planting area. A little nutrition up front supports steady growth and nonstop buds.
Care That Keeps Blooms Coming
Watering
Aim for even moisture. Let the top inch of soil dry slightly between waterings. Containers dry faster—check with a fingertip each day, especially in wind or bright sun.
Feeding
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting. Then give a light water-soluble feeding every 4–6 weeks. Little and often is best. Heavy feeding grows leaves at the cost of flowers.
Deadheading
Pinch off spent blooms and forming pods. This small habit keeps energy flowing to new buds. Minutes of care. Months of color.
Heat management
As late spring warms, flowering may slow. Provide afternoon shade and steady water. In many regions, a fall planting looks strongest and lasts longest.
What Makes ‘Red Blotch’ Stand Out
Many violas are sweet. ‘Red Blotch’ is striking. The darker center acts like natural contouring. It frames the golden eye. It deepens the red. From the curb, you see bold color with clear detail. Up close, you notice fine “whiskers” that pull the eye inward. The effect is graphic yet classic. It looks lush with silvers. It turns heads beside whites. And it pairs beautifully with gold, purple, and near-black companions.
Design Ideas You Can Copy Today
1) Ruby-and-gold classic
Pair ‘Red Blotch’ with golden heuchera, lemon primroses, or yellow daffodils. The contrast is clean. The border looks rich and happy.
2) Velvet night
Mix with Black Viola or deep purple pansies. The dark tones echo the blotch and make the red blaze. Add a little white alyssum to lift the edge.
3) Cottage glow
Blend with blush dianthus, dusty miller, and pale lavender. The blotched center adds structure so the pastel mix never looks flat.
4) Underplant spring bulbs
Tuck ‘Red Blotch’ around tulips, daffodils, and grape hyacinths. After the bulbs fade, the violas keep the show going. In other words, no awkward gaps.
5) Statement containers
Choose matte black, charcoal, cream, or terra-cotta pots. Plant 3 starts in a 12-inch bowl with trailing ivy and a small grass for height. Instant curb appeal with very little effort.
Companion Plants That Love the Same Conditions
- Spring bulbs: Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, muscari
- Cool-season stars: Pansies, stock, nemesia, snapdragons, sweet alyssum
- Edible accents: Curly parsley, chives, baby lettuce, kale (ornamental or edible)
- Foliage foils: Heuchera (lime, amber, or silver), dusty miller, lamb’s ear, blue fescue
These partners share the same needs—cool temps, even moisture, gentle feeding—so your display stays stress-free.
Growing in Pots, Steps, and Railings
You don’t need a big bed to enjoy ‘Red Blotch’. A sunny step is enough.
- Use a container with a drainage hole.
- Fill with high-quality potting mix.
- Plant 3 plants per 12-inch bowl for a full, finished look.
- Water when the top inch feels dry.
- Rotate the pot weekly so all sides see the sun.
That’s it. Simple steps. Happy plants.
Edible Flower Note
Many violas are used as edible garnishes. If you plan to use red petals on cakes, salads, or drinks, grow in clean soil and avoid non-edible sprays. Rinse gently and use fresh. If you grow only for color, enjoy the view and skip the plate.
Quick Answers (Fast and Clear)
How much sun do we need?
Full sun in cool weather. Part shade as heat builds. In warm zones, morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.
How often should we water?
Keep moisture even. Pots dry quickly in wind and bright sun—check daily with your fingertip.
Do we need to deadhead?
Yes. Pinching keeps flowers coming and prevents seed set.
Will ‘Red Blotch’ reseed?
Sometimes. If pods mature, you may spot volunteers next season.
Are they deer resistant?
They’re not a top deer favorite, but hungry deer will sample almost anything. Use covers or repellents if pressure is high.
Troubleshooting Made Simple
Leggy plants
Usually low light or too much warmth. Move to more sun or pinch lightly to shape.
Few flowers
Often due to heat, heavy nitrogen, or skipped deadheading. Add afternoon shade, switch to balanced feeding, and remove spent blooms.
Yellowing leaves
Usually soggy soil or poor drainage. Loosen the bed, refresh mulch, and let the top inch dry slightly between waterings.
Aphids or mites
Rinse with a firm spray of water. Repeat in a few days. Keep plants steady with even moisture and light, regular feeding.
How Many Plants to Order
- Edging: 3–4 plants per linear foot
- Mass bed: 5–7 plants per square yard
- Containers: 3 plants per 12-inch bowl; 5–6 for a 24-inch window box
This spacing builds the lush, carpeted look we all want. Instead of gaps, you get instant fullness.
Simple Care Calendar
At planting: Compost + slow-release feed + water to settle
Weekly: Check moisture; pinch spent blooms
Every 4–6 weeks: Light water-soluble feeding
Before heat waves: Refresh mulch; add afternoon shade if possible
Before hard freezes (new plantings): Cover at night, uncover in the morning
Clip this list and keep it by your potting bench. It keeps you on track from the first bud to the last.
Sustainability Notes We Appreciate
‘Red Blotch’ thrives in the shoulder seasons, when water needs are modest compared to summer annuals. The early flowers support pollinators when little else is open. Instead of bare beds in cool months, you offer nectar for them and bold color for us. That’s a win all around.
Why ‘Red Blotch’ Belongs in Your Cart
We want more than a pretty start. We want steady bloom, tidy shape, and color that elevates every neighbor. Viola ‘Red Blotch’ checks all the boxes. It energizes paths, sharpens mixed borders, and turns simple containers into striking accents. After more than one season, you may find it becomes your go-to ruby for fall and spring. We feel the same.
Ruby Faces, Ready Places
Ready to spark your beds and bowls with bold crimson blooms and a dramatic center? Let’s plant Viola ‘Red Blotch’—velvet petals, golden eyes, and easy care. Small plants. Big presence. Crimson Glow, Garden Go.
