Viola getting smaller and smaller

[Marb67]

Why oh why when I get a plant in my garden does it go into self destruct mode ? I mean Violas that just get smaller and smaller until they almost disintegrate. I can't see anything pest wise that could be the culprit.

[Marb67]

And another one on it's way downhill

[Peanut]

It looks like the first post pic was eaten by something Marb, slugs or snails would be my guess. Your second post pics look ok to me, just nip off the dead or dying leaves.
I find with things like pansies and viola that they tend to flower their socks off for months at a time, then kind of go into a dormant stage, like they're having a break whilst they recover their strength. It could be that they have been flowering for months in the garden center already, so are now, just naturally having a breather.

[Marb67]

It looks like the first post pic was eaten by something Marb, slugs or snails would be my guess. Your second post pics look ok to me, just nip off the dead or dying leaves.
I find with things like pansies and viola that they tend to flower their socks off for months at a time, then kind of go into a dormant stage, like they're having a break whilst they recover their strength. It could be that they have been flowering for months in the garden center already, so are now, just naturally having a breather.

The first one I did pick the dead leaves off but def not slugs as I checked. It just seems to be shrinking.

[Nicos]

How long have you had them marb?

[Marb67]

Since end of last year in garden centre sale. They were very healthy despite reduced price. Kept them going in cold greenhouse through Winter until now as they shrink with mottling leaves. It's just so frustrating!

[Andraste]

You've done better than me Marb - mine didn't make it through winter (although they were outside & unprotected). They don't like to be too damp but recalling your post on vine weevils recently I'd be minded to check the pots for grubs.