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Viola odorata 'Alba'
violet
One of the earliest signs of spring, this charming woodland perennial produces a carpet of pure white flowers that carry...
9cm pot
available to order from spring 2027
3 × 9cm pots
available to order from spring 2027
1
Delivery options
Plant description
One of the earliest signs of spring, this charming woodland perennial produces a carpet of pure white flowers that carry a surprisingly rich fragrance for their size. Held just above a spreading mound of fresh green, heart-shaped foliage, the blooms appear in late winter and early spring, brightening shady corners when little else is in flower.
Viola odorata 'Alba' is ideal for naturalising beneath deciduous trees, along woodland paths or at the front of lightly shaded borders, where it will gradually form attractive clumps. The scented flowers are also edible, making a lovely addition to cakes, desserts and salads, while their sweet perfume means a few stems can easily scent a small posy indoors.
Easy to grow and full of seasonal charm, it brings both beauty and fragrance to sheltered garden spaces.
Viola odorata 'Alba' is ideal for naturalising beneath deciduous trees, along woodland paths or at the front of lightly shaded borders, where it will gradually form attractive clumps. The scented flowers are also edible, making a lovely addition to cakes, desserts and salads, while their sweet perfume means a few stems can easily scent a small posy indoors.
Easy to grow and full of seasonal charm, it brings both beauty and fragrance to sheltered garden spaces.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth
Fast-growing
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Viola odorata Alba:
Seedlings should be potted up and grown on in a frost-free environment, such as well-lit windowsill or unheated greenhouse.
Pot-grown plants however can be planted out or potted up into compost or well-drained, humus-rich soil that is neither frozen nor prone to waterlogging.
Keep well watered, and feed with a good, high potash fertiliser (such as Tomorite) on a regular basis. Pinching off the spent flowers will encourage more to form.
Protect young plants from slug damage using natural barriers such as coarse grit, copper bands, or other non-chemical solutions that are available in our slug and snail control selection.
Pot-grown plants however can be planted out or potted up into compost or well-drained, humus-rich soil that is neither frozen nor prone to waterlogging.
Keep well watered, and feed with a good, high potash fertiliser (such as Tomorite) on a regular basis. Pinching off the spent flowers will encourage more to form.
Protect young plants from slug damage using natural barriers such as coarse grit, copper bands, or other non-chemical solutions that are available in our slug and snail control selection.
Please note:
This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
