Viola odorata (Sweet Violet)

Deliciously scented, Viola odorata (Sweet Violet) is an indispensable perennial for the shade garden. Blooming in late winter and early spring, it provides attractive foliage, fragrance, and color at a season when few other plants are at their peak. Short spurred, the delicate flowers are predominantly dark blue or purple, but lilac, pale rose, or white variations are also frequent. The sweet-scented flowers arise from the attractive evergreen foliage of heart-shaped, slightly downy, dark green leaves. A brilliant way of coloring shady areas!

• Easily growing up to 6-10 in. tall (15-25 cm) and 12-18 in. across (30-45 cm), Sweet Violets will spread by runners and multiply at a moderate rate once established.
• A part shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Full sun may be tolerated in cool summer areas.
• This plant is very versatile and can be used in beds, borders, underplanting shrubs and roses, cottage gardens, rock gardens, woodland gardens, containers, or as ground covers. Flowers are excellent for cutting and are edible. Eat them fresh or candied.
• Watch for slugs, snails, glasshouse red spider mite, violet gall midge, pansy leaf spot, and powdery mildews. It is rabbit and deer resistant.
• Remove spent flowers to extend the flowering season. Cut runners and prune off spindly growth in late fall for an improved spring floral display. Divide in fall or just after flowering.
• Propagate by seed or division.
• Native to Europe.