Viola odorata aka Sweet Violet

Taxonomy

Viola odorata, also known as wood violet, sweet violet, English violet, common violet, florist's violet, or garden violet, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Viola. Native to Europe and Asia, this low-growing, semi-evergreen perennial forms a mat of dark green, heart-shaped leaves. It produces small, fragrant, rose-pink flowers in late winter and early spring. The name "odorata" refers to its lovely fragrance, which is one of its distinguishing features. Introduced into North America and Australia, this hardy herbaceous perennial is commonly seen in gardens and is often chosen for its attractive flowers and delightful scent. With its colorful blooms and ground-covering growth habit, Viola odorata adds beauty and charm to any garden setting.

Common names

Sweet Violet, Garden Violet, English Violet

How to care for Sweet Violet

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Sweet Violet due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Sweet Violet should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Sweet Violet loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Sweet Violet prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

The Sweet Violet does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Sweet Violet should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

The Sweet Violet is characterized by clumping growth, with new shoots emerging from the soil around the primary plant.

Region of origin

Sweet Violet’s native range is Temperate Northern Hemisphere.


More info:
Wikipedia