Sweet violet plants are a charming addition to any garden with their dainty flowers and pleasant fragrance. Their availability from nurseries and online retailers makes it easy for gardeners to incorporate these beauties into the landscape. In this article, we’ll look at where to find sweet violet plants for sale along with tips for successfully growing them.
A Brief Overview of Sweet Violets
Sweet violets (Viola odorata) are herbaceous perennials in the Violaceae plant family. They are native to Europe and Asia but grow well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9. These plants spread via rhizomes and seeds to form an attractive carpet of heart-shaped leaves.
The delightful flowers bloom in late winter to early spring. They are usually deep purple but can also be white or pale lilac. The blooms have a sweet, candy-like scent, which is why they are nicknamed “sweet violets.”
In addition to being pretty, violets are also edible. The flowers and leaves can be added to salads, desserts, and drinks. The plants have even been used historically to make perfume.
Today gardeners grow sweet violets along paths as groundcovers, and in containers. They work well in cottage gardens, rock gardens, and woodland settings. Once established, these easy-care plants need little maintenance besides some pruning and occasional watering.
Where to Buy Sweet Violet Plants
Sweet violet plants are sold at many nurseries and garden centers, especially in the springtime. Local, independent nurseries are a good place to check first. The staff often has in-depth knowledge about which plants do best in your specific area.
Larger retail chains like Home Depot and Lowe’s also carry sweet violets seasonally. The selection may be more limited than a specialty nursery but big box stores can be convenient.
If you’re looking for rare or heirloom varieties, mail order nurseries are a great option. Reputable online sellers like Bluestone Perennials, TN Nursery, and Select Seeds offer extensive choices that may not be found locally.
There are over 500 species of violets so buying from a specialty grower online allows access to unique cultivars like
- Viola ‘Queen Charlotte’ – Vibrant purple with white centers
- Viola ‘Duchesse de Parme’ – Fragrant double white blooms
- Viola ‘Rosina’ – Pale pink flowers with purple veins
No matter where you choose to buy your plants, be sure to inspect them closely before purchasing. Look for:
- Healthy, green leaves
- Strong root systems
- No signs of pests or disease
Buying high-quality plants from the start gives them the best chance of thriving.
How Much Do Sweet Violet Plants Cost?
Expect to spend about $9-$15 per plant on average. The exact price will vary based on the:
- Retailer
- Plant’s size and maturity
- Variety
For example, Bluestone Perennials charges $13.95 per quart-sized Viola ‘Queen Charlotte’ plant. TN Nursery offers a pack of 5 young, bare root sweet violet plants for $12.99.
Buying in bulk can sometimes yield discounts. Select Seeds provides savings when purchasing packs of 3 or 6 Viola odorata plants together.
If you want to fill a large area, some online sellers like TN Nursery also sell sweet violet by the tray of 25 plants at a lower per-unit price. Shopping sales is another way to save money on your violet plant purchase.
When to Buy Sweet Violets
Ideally, it’s best to plant sweet violets in the early spring or fall. However, you may find the largest selection of plants available in early to mid spring. This allows you to get them in the ground before the peak bloom season.
If you didn’t find the variety you wanted earlier in spring, check again in the fall. Nurseries often get new stock shipments and take advantage of cooler temperatures to transplant and grow on plants headed for sale the next year.
Fall is a good time to find clearance sales as many garden centers and nurseries are winding down for the season. You may score especially good deals on sweet violets in late summer or early autumn.
Where to Plant Your Sweet Violets
When choosing a spot to plant your new violets, keep these growing conditions in mind:
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Sun: Sweet violets thrive in partial shade to full shade. Provide some protection from hot afternoon sun. Dappled sunlight is ideal.
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Soil: Rich, moist, well-draining soil is optimal. Add compost to enrich sandy or clay soils.
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Zone: These hardy plants can handle cold winters in zones 5-9. Provide winter mulch in colder climates.
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Drainage: Wet soil can cause root rot. Choose a site that doesn’t collect standing water.
Some of the best places for sweet violets include:
- Under trees and shrubs
- Alongside pathways or patios
- Near downspouts or drainage areas
- In container gardens
- Within woodland gardens and shade borders
Grouping plants together encourages quicker spread. Space young violets 12 inches apart for a dense carpet in 1-2 seasons.
Caring for Your Sweet Violet Plants
Once your plants are situated in the ideal growing spot, just a bit of care will keep them looking lovely:
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Water whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Provide 1-1.5 inches per week.
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Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or compost in early spring.
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Prune back by half after flowering to encourage bushy growth.
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Remove spent blooms and seed pods to prolong flowering.
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Divide congested plants every 2-3 years in autumn.
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Cut back foliage at the end of season to keep plants tidy.
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Mulch plants in very cold climates for winter protection.
With the proper care, your sweet violets will thrive and spread to become a signature part of your garden.
Add Charming Sweet Violets to Your Landscape
The delightfully scented blooms and easy-going nature of sweet violets make them a top choice for gardeners wanting to welcome spring. Take advantage of their wide availability for sale from nurseries and online stores. Then plant your new violets in the ideal spot so you can enjoy their beauty for years to come.
Grassy Creek, NC (33 447-5532
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Roses red and violets blew,
And all the sweetest flowers,
That in the forest grew.
Violas at Hardy’s Plants!
FAQ
Does sweet violet spread?
It grows in a rosette with creeping runners that root and spread.
What is the difference between sweet violets and common violets?
Main Types of Violets
Sweet violets prefer partial shade and well-drained, moist soil. Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia): This native North American species has heart-shaped leaves and blue-purple flowers. Common blue violets can be found in meadows and woodlands and are suitable for naturalizing in a garden setting.
What zone do sweet violets grow in?
| Hardiness | 4 – 9 What’s My Zone? |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 6 – 8 What’s My Zone? |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Violaceae |
Where to plant sweet violet?
It’s perfect for growing in a sheltered spot in light shade and can make good, light ground cover in a dappled woodland garden or under shrubs. A carpet of sweet violets makes fragrant ground cover in a rose bed, giving it a spectacular early flowering display leading up to the start of the rose season.
What type of plant is sweet violet?
Species is the lowest level and represents the group of the same plant. The botanical name of Sweet Violet is Viola odorata. In Latin Viola means the violet and odorata sweet smelling. It belongs to plant family Violaceae. Below is given a taxonomical classification of the plant.
Where do sweet violets grow happily?
Sweet violet is a perennial flowering herbaceous plant. These hardy plants are the herb garden’s equivalent of easy-care pansies and can be grown in the sun or shade. Our patch of sweet violets grows happily under the weeping willow tree, where they have happily out-competed the less-than-happy turf grass.
Are sweet violets hardy?
Sweet violet is a hardy perennial flowering herbaceous plant. These plants are the herb garden’s equivalent of easy-care pansies and can be grown in the sun or shade.
What are sweet violets used for?
Sweet Violet plant, specifically the European variety, is used as a remedy for bronchitis. A cough syrup can be made by gently heating the flowers in honey. The flowers are also used in pot pouri. The Sweet Violet plant is a native of Europe and prefers well composted, moist soils in a protected partially shaded position.