Native violet

by | Jun 12, 2019

Introduction

There are over 500 species of Violas, including violets, pansies and heartsease. Viola Banksii is the more popular cultivated version than the Viola Hederacea (which it was formerly classified as), and is native to Australia along the east coast up to Brisbane, with a more lush, hardier, showier colour than the remaining Hederacea.
They are incredibly popular, due to their ease of growth, their lovely colour, their flexibility, scent and edibility. In Sydney I used them as a handsome ground cover under larger shrubs the entire width of my fence and will probably do the same thing again.

Eating

The flowers make a lovely decoration in salads and desserts.
Freeze them in ice cubes as decorations for mocktails.

Growing

Native violets are a spreading native ground cover with pretty kidney-shaped leaves and white flowers with purple centres.

They’re an ideal lawn substitute under trees and in shady areas, or between pavers, and love sheltered moist places.

For the initial planting use multiple small plants spaced 15cm apart, to cater for spreading (via underground runners), with lots of water when young. Use a liquid fertiliser monthly in spring and summer.

Adaptable to most soil types as long as it gets sufficient moisture and at least half shade.

Recipes

http://trolleyd.com/blog/cocktail-recipe-native-australian-violet
http://edibleculture.blogspot.com/2015/08/green-salad-with-native-raspberries-and.html

Credits

https://www.australianplantsonline.com.au/native-violet.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viola_banksii
https://www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/viola-banksii-native-violet/



Appearance

Type: Ground Cover
Height: Low
Leaf Size: Small
Foliage: Evergreen
Permanence: Perennial

Functions

Bush Tucker: Yes
Edible Flower: Yes
Uses: Salad, Dessert, Edible Flower, Decorative
Fire Retardant: Unknown
Interest: High

Growing

Climate Zone: Subtropical
Planting Season: Spring, Summer
Harvesting Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Sun/Shade: Shade
Soil: Moist
Frost Tolerant: A Little
Time to Maturity: 1-2yrs
Watering Preference: Moderate