Native violet (ivy-leaved violet) Viola hederacea
Native violet (ivy-leaved violet) (Viola hederacea) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Violaceae family, native to Eastern Australia and Tasmania. It grows 5–12 cm (2–5 in) tall and 30 cm–1 m (12 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants shade and high water, and is hardy to about -5 °C (23 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Native violet (ivy-leaved violet) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Native violet (ivy-leaved violet) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Violaceae |
| Mature height | 5–12 cm (2–5 in) |
| Mature spread | 30 cm–1 m (12 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -5 °C (23 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | about 13–26 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: flowers (salads, garnish) |
| Native to | Eastern Australia and Tasmania |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Native violet (ivy-leaved violet) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Native violet (ivy-leaved violet)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and high water.
Questions about Native violet (ivy-leaved violet)
- How far apart should I plant Native violet (ivy-leaved violet)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30 cm–1 m (12 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Native violet (ivy-leaved violet) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Native violet (ivy-leaved violet) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Native violet (ivy-leaved violet)?
- It tolerates about -5 °C (23 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Native violet (ivy-leaved violet) flower?
- About 13–26 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks.
- Is Native violet (ivy-leaved violet) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Native violet (ivy-leaved violet)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Native violet (ivy-leaved violet). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantNET: the NSW Flora Online, National Herbarium of New South Wales, Botanic Gardens of Sydney
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
Notes and assumptions
- A creeping mat of kidney-shaped leaves with small white-and-violet flowers on fine stems for much of the year. Spreads by runners in moist shade, between stepping stones or under ferns.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Sweet violet Viola odorata
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- Lady's mantle Alchemilla mollis