Viola odorata L.
Common Violet
Sweet violet is a low, hardy perennial and the one British violet with a genuine, well-loved scent. It forms spreading clumps of rounded to heart-shaped leaves and creeping runners, above which appear richly coloured deep violet (occasionally white or pinkish) flowers on slender stalks.
About
Sweet violet is a low, hardy perennial and the one British violet with a genuine, well-loved scent. It forms spreading clumps of rounded to heart-shaped leaves and creeping runners, above which appear richly coloured deep violet (occasionally white or pinkish) flowers on slender stalks. It is widely accepted as a British native, at least across southern and central England, though it is also a frequent garden escape and is often found naturalised in churchyards and on roadside banks.
Look for it on hedgebanks, scrub margins, woodland edges and shady banks, generally on fertile, moist, base-rich or calcareous soils in dappled or partial shade. It is one of the earliest violets to bloom, flowering from late winter into spring and so providing valuable early nectar for emerging bees and other insects. Its low, spreading habit and sweet fragrance make it a charming choice for the front of borders, woodland-edge planting, hedge bottoms and naturalised shady corners.
Also known as
English Violet · Florist's Violet · Garden Violet · March violet · Sweet Violet
Synonyms
Viola gonzaloi · Viola gonzaloi semiglabra · Viola hirta odorata · Viola martia · Viola martii odorata · Viola odorata odorata · Viola odorata texidoris · Viola parmensis · Viola tenerrima · Viola thomsonae
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.