Viola odorata
Fragrant Violet
Common names: March Violet, Pleasant-smelling Violet
Photo: Fritz Geller-Grimm · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Source
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Description
Viola odorata is a low, creeping groundcover that thrives in partially shaded spots such as under fruit trees, along hedges, or within raised beds. From March to May it produces violet, occasionally white, fragrant flowers that are edible and can be sprinkled fresh over desserts or candied as sugar violets. It should not be confused with pansies or cornflowers; only the true species emits such a strong scent and grows as a perennial, spreading mat rather than a single‑year upright plant. Once established, it spreads comfortably via runners, forming dense, evergreen cushions.
Care instructions
Plant in humus‑rich, evenly moist soil in partial shade; avoid full midday sun. The best time for sowing or dividing clumps is late August to September, allowing plants to root before winter. Keep the soil slightly moist during dry spells and mulch in autumn with leaf litter, which also provides natural winter protection. After flowering in May, prune spent stems to encourage new runners. Divide larger clumps every three to four years to prevent thinning and maintain dense blooming.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
humus-rich, moist, well-drained, nutrient-rich
Feeding
Light feeder
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