Sweet Violet – Viola odorata

Sweet violets are found growing in temperate regions throughout the world. The plant has a long history, dating back as far as ancient Greece. The common name of Sweet violet derived from its species name odorata, which means fragrant. While purple and violet-blue are the most commonly seen of these wildflowers, there are other varieties that include yellow, white and rose colors.

Sweet violets are carefree perennial plants with many uses in the garden. They transplant easily and will readily grow nearly anywhere. Unlike most violet varieties, Sweet violets enjoy sun or shade, preferring partial shade and are tolerant of different soil types, though moist, well-draining soil is preferable. Plant these flowers in rock gardens, wildflower gardens and woodland gardens. They also work well planted in beds and borders, or grow Sweet violets in containers. They make excellent ground cover plants too.

Although not overly aggressive, Sweet violets can on occasion become a nuisance due to self-seeding so expect to find these plants popping up in unexpected areas of the landscape. This can be reduced with regular deadheading or simply transplant them elsewhere.

In addition to its many uses in the landscape, Viola odorata is considered a medicinal herb, as well as a culinary one. In fact, the flowers are rich in vitamins A and C. Both the plant’s mild flavored leaves and blooms are commonly eaten raw or cooked and added to salads. Herbal teas are also used.

While pests and disease are few with these garden beauties, keep a lookout for slugs and snails. In overly moist situations, powdery mildew or pansy leaf spot can be an issue.

Descriptions

• Seedlings - No information.
• Stems - No information.
• Leaves - Blue-green, smooth, heart shaped
• Flowers - Fragrant, 5-petaled, 2 cm
• Fruits - No information.
• Seeds - ripen April-June
• Roots - Shallow underground runners or rhizomes

Plant Details

• Type - Perennial
• USDA Zones - USDA 4a – 9b
• Flower Colors - Violet-blue, purple predominant. Also available in rose, yellow or white.
• Plant Height - 6 - 12 inches
• Plant Width - 3 – 7 inches
• Bloomtime Period - Late winter/early spring through summer
• Native Habitat - Fields and woodlands. Native to Europe & Asia but introduced to North America & Australia.
• Toxicity and allergic reactions - Rhizomes, seeds cause gastroenteritis
• What Parts Toxic - No information.
• Toxic to humans - Mild gastric upset
• Toxic to cats - None known
• Toxic to dogs - None known
• Edible - No information.
• Edible Parts - No information.
• Spacing - 15 – 18 inches
• Planting Depth - 1/2 - 1 inch for seeds.
• Invasive - May be noxious or invasive. Self-sows freely.
• Special Features - Deer resistant

Growing Information

• Light Requirement - Sun or shade
• Soil Requirements - Tolerate wide range of soil types but prefers moist, well-draining soil.
• Care Information - Requires little maintenance other than regular water in summer. Can fertilize in spring and fall if desired.
• Propagation Methods - Division in spring or fall. Seeds sown in fall.
• Harvest Information - Leaves harvested year round. Flowers picked in late winter to early spring.
• Seed Collection Information - Allow seedpods to dry. Bag seedheads to harvest.
• Pruning - Deadhead to reduce seeding.
• Common Pests - Spider mites in dry weather, slugs/snails, violet gall midge
• Common Diseases - Pansy leaf spot, powdery mildew
• Landscape Uses - Wildflower/woodland gardens, beds and borders. Also great for containers. Make excellent ground cover plants.

Facts & Trivia