Viola ‘Irish Elegance’ is reputedly to have been discovered by a postman in 1896, growing on the edge of a wood in Indre, the South of France. At the turn of the century, the plant was exhibited for the first time, originally named as Viola sulphurea, it was a big hit with the public.
It is an unusual form of our native sweet violet, with soft primrose yellow flowers and apricot tinted centres they flower from November to April. The dense clumps of fresh green leaves grow to around 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) and grow happily in either shade or sun.
The origins of this viola are shrouded in mystery, it has caused much controversy, many discussions and the consternation of experts. The question that for years engaged experts is to whether this different coloured Violet belongs to the species V. odorata. Some say that flowers are very sweet scented, as Viola odorata is, and some say not.
However, growing this charming beauty in the garden, along with a few snowdrops and spring bulbs, the unique flower colour will soon make you forget about squabbling over the name.
Violas are very easy to grow, tolerant of most soil types. They are perfect for partial shade and once established multiply extremely quickly. They serve a multitude of uses: as a groundcover under shrubs or trees, in borders and rockery, in baskets, containers and tubs.
Sowing: Sow in late summer/autumn and late winter/late spring.
Keep seeds chilled until you are ready to sow. Do not sow with high temperatures.
Spring sowings will give flowers during early summer, whilst summer and autumn sowings will bloom the following winter or spring.
Sowing in Autumn:
Make a mixture of compost and approx 10% sand, to give a little drainage. Sieve the compost into pots or cell packs and press it down lightly. Add a little more compost if necessary. Make a small indentation with your finger and pop the seeds into it. Cover lightly with more sieved soil.
Place the containers in a cold greenhouse, outside in a cold frame or plunge them up to the rims in a shady part of the garden border and cover with glass or clear plastic.
Some of the seeds may germinate during the spring and summer and these should be transplanted when large enough to handle. The remainder of the seeds may lay dormant until next spring.
Sowing in Spring:
Seeds can be left to go through the seasons naturally as above, or, if planting at any other time of year, germination can be hastened by “Stratifying” (imitating the seasons)
Sow seeds as above and leave for 2 to 4 weeks. Transplant any seedlings that may have germinated. Then chill the remaining seeds: put the tray into the refrigerator at -4°C to +4°C (24-39°F), or somewhere with a similar temperature for 6 to 8 weeks. Then remove to around 10°C (50°F)
The normal temperature of a fridge is 4°C (very useful!). Don’t put the seeds into the freezer, it will kill them.
When seedlings have their first pair of true leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Pot on year-old seedlings and grow on in well ventilated conditions for another year before planting outside permanently. Plant the tubers 3cm to 5cm (1 to 2in) deep in humus-rich soil under the shade of trees. Plant 20cm (8in) apart and water well until established.
Violets enjoy cool, damp humus soils. Their natural habitat is in shady hedgerows or banks sharing similar conditions to the wild strawberry and primrose. Dappled shade under deciduous trees and shrubs is the ideal position where they will be able to avoid hot, dry summer conditions, but will be exposed to the winter sun which will encourage flowering.
Mulch annually with leaf mould to help prevent the tubers from drying out in the summer and from winter cold. Remove spent flowers to prolong the flowering season. If the plants are cut back after flowering they will flower again in late summer.
Divide in the autumn or just after flowering. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions, though we have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are established. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.
Cottage/Informal Garden, Flowers Borders and Beds, Alpine & Rockeries, Under-planting roses and shrubs, Containers, pots & hanging baskets. Flower arrangements. Edible Flowers.
The prolific blooms of violas and pansies offer a welcome splash of colour, but many gardeners don’t think of using them as cut flowers. These delicate flowers work best in small bottles and vases. And when you bring them into the warmth of your house you’ll notice, perhaps for the first time, their sweet fragrance.
Violas are among the most popular edible flowers, and with good reason. All flowers are beautiful, but viola are easy to grow and are among the few flowers that actually taste good.
Both the flowers and leaves in fresh and dried forms have been standard fare in Europe since before the 14th century. The simple addition of a few brilliant blooms transforms any dish into an elegant presentation.
Fresh flowers are most often used for garnishing and crystallizing. Culinary uses include jams and jellies, teas, garnishes and salads. Candied violas are easy to make and look stunning atop cakes, ice cream, cookies, or other desserts.
The pungent perfume of Viola odorata adds inimitable sweetness to desserts, fruit salads and teas while the mild pea flavour of most other viola varieties and species combines equally well with sweet or savory foods, like grilled meats and steamed vegetables.
The heart-shaped leaves of the v. odorata provide a free source of greens throughout a long growing season. They add texture to green salads when young and tender. Later in the season, slightly tougher, older leaves are cooked with other potted herbs and greens in soups, stews and stir-frys.
Viola odorata is a species of the genus Viola native to Europe and Asia. The genus contains about 100 species, of which five are natives of Britain and Ireland
The genus name Violet is the diminutive form of the Latin Viola, the Latin form of the Greek name Ione. There is a legend that when Jupiter changed his beloved Io into a white heifer for fear of Juno's jealousy, he caused these modest flowers to spring forth from the earth to be fitting food for her, and he gave them her name.
The species name odorata refers to their fragrance.
The variety ‘Irish Elegance’ is reputedly to have been discovered by a postman in 1896, growing on the edge of a wood in Indre, the South of France.
Viola odorata is commonly known as Sweet violet, Wood violet, English violet, Common violet, Florist's violet or Garden violet.
- Additional Information
Packet Size 20 Seeds Family Violaceae Genus Viola Species odorata Cultivar Irish Elegance Common Name Sweet Violet Hardiness Hardy Perennial Flowers Soft primrose yellow flowers with an apricot centre Natural Flower Time November to April Height 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) Position Shade or sun Soil Prefers fertile, moist, well drained soil