How to grow Native Violet in Australia
Native violet (Viola banksii, long sold as Viola hederacea) is a low, spreading Australian groundcover with kidney-shaped leaves and small purple and white flowers through the warmer months. It is very hardy, loves moist, shaded spots and soon carpets the ground under trees, between pavers and in pots and hanging baskets.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Native Violet in Australia
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to October | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to October | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to October | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | March to October | |
| Adelaide & SA | March to October | |
| Perth & WA | March to October | |
| Tasmania | March and April, September to November | Hardy groundcover. Plant Sep to Nov or Mar to Apr. Handles Tasmanian frost. |
| Canberra & ACT | March and April, September to November | Plant Sep to Nov or Mar to Apr in moist shade. Grows wild around the ACT; frost burns the leaves but it regrows. |
| North Queensland | May to October | Plant May to Oct in the dry, in deep shade with steady water. It struggles through the hottest wet months. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to October | Plant May to Oct in the dry, in deep shade with steady water. It struggles through the hottest wet months. |
Where to plant
Native violet prefers a moist position in part shade or shade. It grows in a range of soils as long as it gets enough moisture, and in full sun the leaves lose their lush look and dry out quickly. It spreads by rooting stems and can cover large areas, especially in moist ground.
It is ideal as a groundcover between taller plants, under trees, in shady borders and between stepping stones. It can smother slow-growing low plants, so keep it away from small treasures. Native violet is widely cultivated outside its natural range and is at some risk of becoming naturalised, so do not plant it next to bushland outside its home area.
- South East Queensland, the Northern Rivers, Sydney and Melbourne: easy in moist shade, and plants flower for much of the year.
- Adelaide and Perth: grow in shade with regular water through summer, or in pots.
- Canberra and Hobart: plant in spring or autumn in moist shade. Frost can burn the leaves but it regrows.
- North Queensland and Darwin: plant in the dry season in deep shade with steady water. It struggles through the hottest wet months.
How to plant
- The easiest way to start is with a division: a clump with a few roots attached, from a nursery pot or a friend's garden.
- Dig compost into the bed and plant divisions or small plants about 20 to 30 cm apart.
- Water in well and keep the soil moist until they are growing strongly. They knit together into a mat.
- Seed can also be sown on the surface of moist seed raising mix, barely covered; it is slower, taking about three weeks to come up.
Watering and feeding
Keep the soil consistently damp. Native violet wilts quickly in dry soil, so water during dry spells, especially in summer and in pots and baskets.
Feed lightly with compost or a native plant fertiliser in spring. Too much fertiliser is not needed.
Pruning and care through the year
- Trim back the edges with shears or a spade if the mat spreads further than you want.
- Pull out runners that head into lawns or neighbouring beds.
- Shear tired, frost-burnt or sun-scorched patches back in spring to bring on fresh leaves.
Picking flowers
Pick flowers for small posies once the plant is flowering well; new flowers keep coming through the warmer months. Picked flowers last only a day or two.
The flowers are edible, with a mild taste that suits salads and cake decoration, and Centennial Parklands notes the young leaves can go into salads too.
Growing in pots
Native violet suits pots at least 20 cm wide and hanging baskets in a sheltered, shaded spot, where its stems spill over the edge. Keep the mix moist, as pots and baskets dry out quickly.
Propagation
Division is the best method. Lift a section of the mat with a few roots attached and replant it, or pot it up and keep it watered; it establishes quickly. Rooted runners can be cut and moved in the same way.
Varieties
- Native Violet
Companion planting
Native violet makes a living mulch under taller plants that like the same moist, shaded conditions.
Good companions
- Native plants Taller native shrubs and trees give the shade native violet likes, and it covers the soil beneath them.
- Ferns They enjoy the same cool, moist, shady spot, and the violet carpets the ground between them.
Pests and diseases
Native violet is very hardy. Snails are the most common problem in damp, shady spots.
Pests to watch for
- Snails Holes chewed in leaves and flowers, and slime trails, mostly after rain.
Native Violet is rarely troubled by disease.
Common questions
Does native violet grow in full sun?
It prefers part shade or shade. It will grow in sun if the soil stays moist, but the leaves lose their lush look and dry out quickly.
Is native violet invasive?
It spreads readily by rooting stems and can smother small, slow plants. It is widely cultivated and at some risk of becoming naturalised, so trim the edges and avoid planting it beside bushland outside its natural range.
How do I propagate native violet?
Divide an established clump. Any piece with a few roots will establish quickly if kept watered.
Why is my native violet turning brown?
Usually dry soil or too much sun. Water more often and give it more shade. Frost can also burn the leaves in cold areas, but the plant regrows in spring.
What is the difference between Viola banksii and Viola hederacea?
The native violet sold in nurseries was long labelled Viola hederacea, but research showed the common garden plant is a different species, now named Viola banksii. True Viola hederacea is less showy and rarely grown.
Can native violet grow in a hanging basket?
Yes. It is well suited to hanging baskets and pots in a sheltered, shaded spot, as long as the mix is kept moist.
Sources we checked: Australian Native Plants Society (Australia): Viola banksii; Wikipedia: Viola banksii (cultivation and naturalisation notes); Centennial Parklands: Native violet.