Viola odorata is a species of flowering plant in the family Violaceae native to Eurasia. The small hardy herbaceous perennial is commonly known as wood violet, [2] sweet violet, [3] English violet, [3] common violet, [3] florist's violet, [3] or garden violet. [3] Viola odorata spreads with stolons (above-ground shoots).

Guide to Growing Sweet Violet and English Violets. Viola odorata are hardy perennials that range from 10 to 20 cm in height (4 to 8 inches). They bloom from winter through to spring, when they carry fragranced violet, purple, or white flowers on stems. Foliage is of heart shaped leaves. Sweet Violet is a common name for Viola odorata.

It has edible flowers and also a sweet, perfumed flavor. They hail from a time when fragrance was utmost when choosing plants for a garden. The fragrance of Sweet Violet is regarded as one of the most beautiful aromas in the plant kingdom. The scent has found its way into perfumes.

The sweet violet is a hardy plant that mostly grows as ground cover. It can reach two to eight inches in height, depending on the growing conditions. Viola odorata produces small, heart-shaped foliage and recommended for USDA hardiness zones 5 – 9.

There are many cultivars, some double, some in different colors---usually purple or (duh!) violet, but also white, pink, crimson, or even yellow---and some with longer stems for making nosegays. They are still available in the UK, but few are currently available in the US. This species needs winter protection north of Z6.

English violets are perennial plants native to western and southern Europe, but they are now naturalized over a large region of North America. In the spring their intensely fragrant, purplish-blue flowers perfume the air.

Deliciously scented, Viola odorata (Sweet Violet) is an indispensable perennial for the shade garden. Blooming in late winter and early spring, it provides attractive foliage, fragrance, and color at a season when few other plants are at their peak.

Viola odorata is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from February to April, and the seeds ripen from April to June.

Sweet Violet, Garden violet or English violet. Dark green heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers, violet, rose or white. Hardy to 10 F. Southern and Western Europe. Extremely scented, this reigning sovereign of sweet violets is EASY and carefree!

Becoming less common due to over-picking, sweet violet is widespread across the UK. Find out how to identify it, how it's used and how it helps wildlife.