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Herbaceous Perennial

Viola odorata (Vt)

sweet violet

a rhizomatous perennial forming a loose mat of heart-shaped leaves with fragrant violet or white flowers 2cm across in late winter and early spring

Other common names
English violet
florist's violet
see moregarden violet
March violet
sweet pansy

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Purple White Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Blue Purple White Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Violaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Viola can be annuals, biennials or deciduous or evergreen perennials, with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and 5-petalled flowers of characteristic shape

Name status

Correct

Horticultural Group
Violets are stoloniferous perennials with small, highly fragrant, self-coloured purple, blue or white flowers in late winter and early spring
Plant range
Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Excellent for wild or woodland garden. Grow in moist but well-drained soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails, glasshouse red spider mite and violet gall midge

Diseases

May be affected by pansy leaf spot and powdery mildews

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