A dainty spreading groundcover with kidney-shaped leaves and white-and-purple flowers held on slender stems almost year-round. Loves cool, moist shade where it forms a lush living carpet.
At a glance
- Plant type: Spreading groundcover
- Mature size: 10 cm H × 1 m W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions
- Water: consistently moist soil
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Native Violet
Viola hederacea is a fast-growing spreading groundcover in the Violaceae family, native to New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania. It reaches around 10 cm tall and 1 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Purple and white flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Native Violet
Native Violet suits cool-temperate, warm-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Native Violet does best in loamy and clay soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Native Violet prefers consistently moist soil. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
Pruning & care
Prune Native Violet after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. For most gardens, it is low maintenance.
Using Native Violet in the garden
Native Violet earns its place for holding soil on banks and slopes, pots and courtyard containers and hanging baskets. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Native Violet sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to consistently moist soil and cool-temperate climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Native Violet
Plant Sale lists Native Violet as tube stock and potted plants. Use the quote builder above to ask about current stock, sizes and pricing.
