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Viola hederacea
ivy leaved violet
Overview
Viola hederacea is a low, spreading perennial groundcover growing 5-10 cm (2-4 in) tall and spreading widely by creeping stolons that root at the nodes. The leaves are kidney- to fan-shaped, 1-3 cm (0.4-1.2 in) wide, on slender stalks, forming a dense mat. Small flowers are held singly on stalks 5-12 cm (2-5 in) tall above the foliage; each flower is about 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) across, white in the lower half and violet to purple toward the upper petals, without the spur of many northern violets. Flowering continues over a long season, mainly spring to autumn. Small capsules release seed, and the plant also spreads steadily by runners. It grows in moist forest, gullies, and stream banks in shaded, humus-rich soils. Limitation: it needs consistent moisture and shade and can spread beyond its intended area by stolons in damp gardens.
Native Range
Southeastern Australia, including Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia. It grows in moist forest, gullies, and along stream banks in shaded positions.Suggested Uses
Grown as a groundcover under trees and shrubs, between pavers, in hanging baskets, and along moist, shaded borders. It suits damp, low-light areas where lawns struggle.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 4"
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in moist, humus-rich soils in part shade to full shade and tolerates morning sun where the soil stays damp. It needs consistent moisture and declines in dry, exposed positions. Water regularly in dry spells to keep the mat dense. Mature plants tolerate light frost. The creeping stolons spread quickly and fill gaps, and sections can be lifted and replanted to propagate. It tolerates light foot traffic.Pruning
Plants tolerate mowing or shearing to tidy the mat and remove spent flower stalks. The stolons regrow quickly after cutting. Sections can be cut back to control spread.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons