Sweet violet is native to Europe and western Asia. It is an herbaceous perennial formerly widely cultivated for its fragrant flowers but now grown mostly for its edible flowers or as a historical curiosity. The species epithet is Latin for “scented” and highlights the noteworthy fragrance of this species, which is a member of the violet family (Violaceae). Sweet violet is not fussy about soil texture or pH, but prefers moist, well drained soil. It grows in partial shade to dappled sun but dislikes full sun. For a showy spring appearance, prune away runners and weak growth in the late fall. The plant forms rosettes of heart-shaped leaves and produces long stolons by which the species colonized new ground. Sweet violet is prized for its fragrant flowers, once sold as nosegays on the streets of London (think Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady ). The fragrance is used in perfumes, candies and liqueurs. Candied violet flowers are made from this species. Sweet violet grows well in containers but can also be used as an accent, border or groundcover. It is at home in cottage gardens, sensory gardens or shade gardens. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Pests affecting this plant include slugs, snails, and red spider mites. It is susceptible to violet gall midge, pansy leaf spot and powder mildew. Its natural spreading habit can become weedy in some situations. More information on Viola .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
The dark green heart shaped basal leaves are quite showy. They form a basal rosette. Sparsely haired. Often wrinkled on the upper leaf surface.
Flower color
Blue; Purple/Lavender
Flower value
Edible; Fragrant; Showy
Flower form
Solitary
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
The 1/2" flowers are typically dark blue or purple. Variations including lilac, rose or white are also available. Having 5 petals, the lowest petal is larger than the others and have a spur.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Purple/Lavender
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit size
< 1 inch long
Fruit detail
The 1/4" capsule is light purple, with short hairs.
Stem detail
Stem typically leafless with scale-like bracts halfway or above.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Europe
Wildlife value
This plant supports Fritillary butterfly larvae. Ants feed on the oily white appendage.
Attracts
Butterflies; Pollinators
Play value
Attractive Flowers; Easy to Grow; Fragrance; Wildlife Food Source
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Leaves; Flowers
Fruit type
Capsule
Edibility
Leaves and flowers can be eaten.
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Patio; Pool/Hardscape; Woodland
Landscape theme
Butterfly Garden; Cottage Garden; Cutting Garden; Edible Garden; Garden for the Blind; Pollinator Garden; Rock Garden; Shade Garden