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
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H6Botanical 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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.