Viola eminens Native Stately Violet

Viola eminens Native Stately Violet

This is charming evergreen native groundcover grows approx 10cm tall and is a distinctly smaller version of Viola hederacea the common native violet. With a more delicate appearance, smaller leaves and smaller flowers. It is a perfect lower growing species. Our variety of viola eminens is from a collection found growing in a marshy area of Western Sydney. A rarely found violet species for Sydney and NSW as a whole. We have found it to be hardy, useful and an easy plant to grow in the right spot. Spreading to create fantastic patches of ground cover that suppress weeds. They can cover a lot of ground if allowed to under the right conditions. They love a moist rich soil, and will grow vigorously in these conditions. However they will also tolerate poorer, drier soils and grow slower under these conditions. It is very attractive when in flower, and can flower for most of the year. The flowers are often used as bush tucker. And are often used in salads and as decoration for foods and cakes. And they are wonderful as edible candied/sugared violet flowers. And the seed pods can be pickled like a caper. The plants can suffer a little in extreme summer heat. But readily bounce back as the heat of summer eases. 

They are fantastic plants for a range of uses in the garden including as a ground cover, cascading over garden beds, pots and retaining walls. Growing in hanging baskets, or used as a lawn substitute in a non traffic position. And even better than the traditional native violet for growing between paths and paves due to its softer and lower growing stature. 

They love a moist position, in semi shade or full sun. They are frost drought tolerant in a favorable position. But are sensitive to salinity.  

We feed our plants regularly for best results with Earthlife Garden Delight Rock Minerals.