Description
A popular perennial of the violet family. It grows wild in Europe, including Poland, in the lowlands and lower mountain areas. It is cultivated and often naturalises.
The plant grows only 5–10 cm tall and forms underground rhizomes. Its flowers are intensely fragrant, violet or white. It flowers in April and May and again in autumn. The leaves are green, downy, glossy underneath, kidney- or egg-shaped and heart-shaped at the base.
Sweet violet is used in borders and for edging, is suitable for rock gardens and makes a cut flower for tiny posies. As it spreads vigorously and has a creeping habit, it is excellent as ground cover. It is semi-evergreen – some leaves remain until spring.
Requirements
It has no special soil requirements. It likes a shady or partially shaded position. The soil – ideally humus-rich – should be moderately moist.