A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Plants and Flowers Forum Viola, Helen Mount, Johnny Jump Up

I live in Peoria, AZ, so my growing season is long, and part of it is very hot and dry. I planted viola in a flower bed last year and they have thrived. They have also gotten tall and thick and some are actually coming up in the middle of other shrubs. My question is, as a perennial, shouldn't I be able to cut them back, or will I kill them by doing so.

Violas like their sister the pansy respond well to cutting back, esp. if they start to look ragged and leggy. Excessive heat can be a problem, though.

Thanks for the input. It is getting very hot here. I think I will try to provide some afternoon shade for them