What is the best way to protect perennial Violas from severe winter weather? I had to replace mine last spring.
Purple Showers (Viola cornuta ‘Purple Showers’) and other Violas are great additions to the landscape for their dainty pansy-like flowers that bloom from mid-spring to fall. They are outstanding low-growing plants for the front of the border. Over the past several seasons we have found that these Violas are somewhat more susceptible to winter dieback or loss. The best way to help them through the winter is to apply an addition layer of mulch (evergreen boughs or straw) in November or December, after the soil begins to freeze. Also, do not cut them back in the fall.
Other violets such as Etain, Rebecca, and Mars should also be protected in the same way. Remember to remove winter mulch in spring after the threat of severe winter temperatures has past. As temperatures warm and plants go into active growth, the mulch layer can be detrimental to the plants' health.
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