This perennial has slender spreading stolons and short erect stems that form a compact clump. It has dark green rounded leaves with a pointed apex and the blue to deep purple funnel-shaped flowers appear above the foliage during winter.

Hardiness zones 6 to 10

Viola odorata is naturally found from Europe to Africa and Asia growing in well drained fertile moist soils in a semi shaded to sunny protected position and is wind, frost and drought tender.

Sweet Violet is grown for its spreading habit and flowers. It is planted in small or cottage gardens as a ground cover between stepping stones or used as a spill-over in rockeries. It establishes in one season and the clump is long lived. It is also planted in patio pots or planter boxes and is used in fragrant gardens. Once established this plant requires little care and there are many cultivars available with varying coloured flowers. ID 646

Viola(VEE-o-la) odorata (o-dô-RAH-ta)

'Viola': Latin name for the violet; 'odorata': fragrant.

Violaceae(vy-oh-LAY-see-ee)
Violet Family