Viola Odorata Alba

Description

Viola odorata 'Alba,' commonly known as White Sweet Violet, emerges as a dainty and fragrant perennial within the Violaceae family. Celebrated for its simplicity and purity, this cultivar of the sweet violet charms with its delicate white flowers and the sweet, nostalgic fragrance it imparts to early spring gardens. Unfolding its allure with heart-shaped leaves that form a low-growing rosette. Rising above the foliage are ethereal, five-petaled, white flowers with a contrasting yellow center. The blooms, often delicately veined, exude a sweet fragrance that lingers in the air, attracting pollinators. This cultivar's pristine white blossoms add a touch of innocence and elegance to garden settings. Typically reaching a height of 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm), creating compact mounds of foliage. Its spreading habit makes it suitable for ground cover or edging in shaded borders. The modest size of White Sweet Violet belies its impact, as it forms charming clusters that enhance the enchantment of early spring landscapes. While the specific origin of Viola odorata 'Alba' may be cultivated, it belongs to the broader species native to Europe and Asia. This cultivar thrives in shaded to partially shaded locations with moist, well-drained soil. Its adaptability to various conditions makes it a versatile choice for woodland gardens, rockeries, or underplanting deciduous trees. Sweet violets hold cultural significance in literature, folklore, and art. Traditionally associated with modesty and sweetness, violets have been featured in various poems and myths, making it a timeless and cherished flower.

Sowing Advice

Sow immediately at any time onto preferably a soil-based compost, covering with fine grit to approximately their own depth. Germination MAY be quicker if kept at 15 to 20 degrees C. but many seeds WILL NOT come up the year they are sown, needing winter chilling after sowing, and ONLY come up with natural spring germination.

Key Facts