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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Native Violet is consistently moist soil. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Native Violet after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Native Violet with other plants that enjoy the same consistently moist soil and cool-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.