Viola odorata L.
Fully-hardy rhizomatous, semi-evergreen perennial with sweetly scented white or blue flowers in late winter and early spring. Self-seeds readily. Excellent for a wild garden. There are numerous garden cultivars. To 20cm. [RHSE, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
An ancient garden plant. There were many named varieties in Victorian gardens in a range of shades of blue and white, both double and single, often with very large, showy flowers. Aubrey vol.1 pl.XXIX/1789.
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1845, 1850 and 1857 catalogues [H.233/1845]. The wild form of the English violet is well established in the gardens. A Victorian cultivar, ‘The Csar’ with large, deep violet flowers, has recently been introduced.
Notes
The common violet of Europe, Viola odorata, does not really qualify as a florist’s flower but was very popular as both a garden plant and pot-grown for house decoration and for scenting rooms.
Published Apr 24, 2009 - 05:27 PM | Last updated Aug 01, 2010 - 03:23 PM
Viola odorata L. | Viola odorata L. | Aubrey pl.XXIX/1789 | BHL
| Family | Violaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Europe including Britain |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | English violet, Garden violet, Sweet violet |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Viola odorata blue |
| Confidence level | high |