Scented violets ∗ The 10 best care and planting tips

origin

Fragrant violets are referred to by botanists as Viola odorata. The additional species “odorata” indicates the intensely fragrant flowers. This property earned the plant its German name. It is also fragrant violet or March violets known.

The viola, which belongs to the violet family, has distribution areas between the Mediterranean and the Caucasus. It occurs in large parts of Europe, where it grows on the edges of forests and shady paths and forms the undergrowth of bushes. The fragrant violet has been cultivated in gardens since ancient times. The species has been used as an ornamental and useful plant in Central Europe since the Middle Ages.

growth

The herbaceous plant is persistent and forms underground rhizomes as a wintering organ. The above-ground shoot develops runners close to the surface of the earth, with which the plant gradually spreads in its location. In this way, fragrant violets quickly develop dense lawns that cover the ground. Undisturbed growth is a prerequisite. Scented violets reach heights of between five and 15 centimeters.

leaves

Scented violets develop basal leaf rosettes with several leaves. They are divided into a long petiole and a heart- to kidney-shaped blade. It appears grass green and has a simple structure. Due to the similar dimensions in width and length, the leaves appear rounded. The stem is covered with backward-looking hairs. About halfway along the stem, fragrant violets have two tiny bracts. The foliage is evergreen and provides color accents during the cold season.

blossom

From March to April nodding single flowers appear, which rise with their long flower stalks above the leaf rosettes. They give off a fragrant scent and, as spring bloomers, are an important source of food for butterflies and Bumblebees represent. The flowers consist of five petals that are unevenly shaped and dark purple in color. There are varieties that bloom pink or white. The crown reaches a size between two and three centimeters.

fruit

After the flowering period, fragrant violets develop three-lobed capsule fruits. Their walls are elastic and open when the seeds mature to release the spherical seeds. They are spread by ants, so the scented violet spreads quickly in the garden.

use

Due to its tolerance to locations with little light, Viola odorata is ideal for underplanting wild hedges, woody plants or shrubs such as peonies and roses. They also grow without problems under the root competition of neighboring trees. The low plants prove to be step-resistant and can be planted directly in the lawn or on a walk-in flower meadow. They create an aesthetic long-distance effect and are particularly effective in close-knit groups.

Planting partner

You can combine scented violets with other early bloomers and create a colorful spring backdrop in this way. Are suitable as combination partners Winterlings, Crocuses and Daffodils. Viola odorata harmonizes with other flowering plants that have similar site conditions. The purple blooming common night violet or the red one thimble also prefer partially shaded growth places under trees.

Scented violets are suitable for various themed gardens:

• Apothecary garden with medicinal herbs
• Cottage garden with tall wild shrubs
• wild natural gardens
• shady to partially shaded forest gardens
• Top holiday arrangements on roof gardens

Edible

Scented violets develop aromatic flowers that are used for various dishes. They refine salads or soups and give flower butter a sweet note. The flowers can be used for tea, syrup or liqueur, or in candied form as a decoration for ice cream, desserts and cakes.

Which location is suitable?

The natural locations of Viola odorata ensure partially shaded to light conditions with good ventilation. The delicate plants can only tolerate heat and direct sunlight if the soil is sufficiently moist. The scented violet feels at home under deciduous hedges and bushes.

What soil does the plant need?

The substrate should be rich in nutrients and provide fresh conditions. A high level of permeability prevents the formation of waterlogging. A moderately acidic one is ideal Clay soil with humic proportions. A mix of Potting soil and clay powder, which is sufficiently watered, offers the plant perfect conditions. Viola odorata grows in humus-rich garden soil and proves to be unproblematic when the soil is sandy.

Increase fragrant violets

Viola odorata is known for self-sowing via seeds and runners. If you want to multiply the crop in a targeted manner, you can divide large stocks or collect and sow seeds.

division

Dig up the plants in spring and use a sharp knife to divide the rhizome in half. Each daughter plant should have enough leaves available so that it can grow quickly. Mix some compost into the substrate at the new location to ensure optimal growth conditions for the divided plants.

When the division makes sense:

• Rejuvenation
• Change of location
• Multiplication

sowing

Scented violets belong to the cold germs. Sow the seeds in the bed between September and November. Alternatively, you can wrap the seeds in a damp cloth or sprinkle them in a freezer bag filled with sand and store them in the refrigerator for several weeks. Then sprinkle the grains on a damp one Growing substrate(€ 12.99 at Amazon *) and place the vessel in a bright place.

Scented violets germinate at a temperature of 18 degrees Celsius. As soon as the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they are separated. The plants can be placed directly in the bed.

Scented violets in the pot

Viola odorata is suitable as a houseplant. It can be planted individually in a pot or placed in a larger container with other wild herbs. Pay attention to an optimal water supply. Scented violets need a constantly moist substrate. Pour any water that has accumulated from the saucer to prevent the roots from getting wet. The pot should be placed in a bright location out of direct sunlight.

Pour fragrant violets

The evergreen plants have a medium water requirement. In the beginning, young plants need uniform moisture conditions in the substrate. Once in place, fragrant violets do not require additional watering in partially shaded locations under woody trees. If you have planted the plants in a sunny location on a lawn, you will need to regularly use the watering can. This also applies during long periods of drought.

Fertilize fragrant violets properly

In nutrient-rich soils, there is no need for regular fertilization. Mix some compost into the substrate in spring so that the plants are optimally supplied during their growth and flowering phase. Pond mud or pond water achieve the same effect.

Cut fragrant violets correctly

The violet plants do not need pruning. Dried leaves can be removed if they disturb the overall picture. If you leave withered foliage on the plant, it will be broken down by soil organisms until the next growing season. This releases nutrients so that they can be absorbed and used by the plant. In this way, rotting leaves serve as a natural fertilizer.

Overwinter

Viola odorata is completely hardy. Its evergreen leaves survive the frosty season without protection. If the plants grow under tall trees, they are optimally protected from the winter sun on snow-free days.

Container plants must be overwintered frost-free, as the substrate freezes quickly. Put the jar in a bright and cool place. An unheated winter garden or a bright place in the basement or hallway is ideal. Make sure that the substrate remains evenly moist. The plants are not fertilized.

Pests

Both outdoor plants and potted violets are occasionally attacked by pests. While potted plants suffer from an infestation more frequently during the winter, unwanted guests occur on bedding plants in spring.

Spider mites

These pests prefer to attack potted plants in winter quarters when the air is too dry and warm. Spray the plant regularly with water and make sure that the substrate is evenly moist. This measure also has an effect on infected plants.

Gall or violet mosquitoes

Gall mosquitoes impair the development of the flowers. The insects lay their eggs in the buds so that the hatched larvae can feed on the fresh flowers. Remove affected buds that appear swollen and uneven in shape.

Snails

Freshly sprouting leaves are a popular food for snails in spring. Young plants should therefore be preferred in isolation. You can build a snail fence to protect the outdoor plants. Sharp-edged stones offer a natural-looking obstacle.

Fungal attack

Potted plants that are in poorly ventilated locations will lose their way if the humidity is too high mildew populated. The infestation can be recognized by a gray flour coating. Clean the affected leaves and spray the plant weekly with a solution of one part milk and eight parts water.

Scented violets do not bloom

There are various possible reasons why fragrant violets fail to flower. Check the site conditions and make sure that the humidity is consistently high. Soils that are too calcareous can prevent the plants from developing flowers. Add an acidic component to the soil. Use a container for potted plants that is one to two centimeters larger than the root ball. They need a hibernation to bloom.

Flowers and location:

• Lush flowers and small leaves in low-nutrient forest locations
• large leaves and no flowers near fertilized beds

sorts

• Suphurea: Weak growth, not evergreen. Recommended for planting in pots. Yellow blooming.
• Lydia Groves: Flowers pale pink with an orange-yellow center, sweetly scented. Up to 15 centimeters high.
• Alba: Pure white flowers. Reaches heights of up to 15 centimeters.