Description Sweet violet (Viola odorata)—also known as common violet, English violet, florist’s violet, garden violet, or wood violet—may be small in stature, but it’s big on charm. Reaching just 3 to 6 inches tall, it produces an abundance of sweetly fragrant, purple flowers, mainly in late winter to early spring, among the rich green (and evergreen) leaves. A few flowers may also pop up in fall, as the weather gets cooler. You can detect the scent if you’re near the plants when they’re in full bloom, but for the best experience, cut some of the flowers and place them in a tiny vase indoors to get the full effect. Sweet violet flowers are also considered to be edible, and they have historically been used medicinally as well. This classic Eurasian species spreads by stolons (above-ground runners) to form patches, making it useful as a groundcover or as a filler under shrubs and around sturdy perennials, such as hostas and ferns. Partial shade (for best flowering) to full shade. Zones 4 to 9. Collected in late June and early July 2025. At least 15 seeds. Shipping to U.S. addresses only. Please read the germination information as well before ordering.
