Plant Enyclopedia: Violet

Must Know Plant Care Tips: Violets will grow in sun but do prefer light shade, and will require less water when planted there. They are good self-seeders, but are not particularly invasive, unless they’re the wild violet variety.

Plant Problem Solver: Violets make great bedding plants or ground cover, and also do well in containers and window boxes. They can even thrive in rock gardens with adequate moisture. They are deer resistant and make lovely, fragrant cut flowers. If you like, cut the flower stalks back once the blooms are spent to alleviate the self-seeding. You can also collect the seeds and sow them in the fall indoors, or outdoors in a cold frame. In dry weather, the foliage may sometimes be prone to spider mites.

Pretty Pairings: Try planting violets with pansies, petunias, and snap dragons.