Description
Viola hederacea – Australian Violet
A hardy native groundcover with dainty purple-and-white blooms
Add a soft, spreading carpet of charm to your garden with Viola hederacea, the Australian Violet. This delicate-looking but tough native groundcover features heart-shaped foliage and dainty violet and white flowers that bloom nearly year-round in mild climates. Perfect for shady borders, underplanting, hanging baskets, or between pavers, it creates a fresh, woodland feel wherever it grows.
☀️ Light Requirements
Part shade to full shade is ideal
Tolerates dappled sun, but avoid harsh, direct afternoon sun in hot climates
🌱 Soil
Prefers moist, well-drained soil
Grows well in loamy or sandy soils, enriched with organic matter
Can adapt to slightly acidic to neutral pH
💧 Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
Drought-tolerant once established, but performs best with regular water
Great choice for damp, shaded spots
🌿 Growth Habit
Spreading groundcover forms a dense mat of foliage
Height: 5–15 cm
Spread: up to 1 meter wide
Propagates easily from runners and divisions
🌸 Flowering Time
Blooms spring through autumn (and beyond in frost-free zones)
Soft lavender to purple petals with white centers
❄️ Frost Tolerance
Frost-tender in colder climates, but recovers in spring
Best grown as a perennial in temperate and coastal regions
🌿 Ideal For
Underplanting in shade gardens
Lawn alternatives for low-traffic areas
Hanging baskets or containers
Between stepping stones or around ponds
Naturalistic, native or cottage-style gardens
🐝 Wildlife Friendly
Attracts native bees and pollinators
Offers low cover for beneficial insects
Australian Violets combine beauty with practicality — they’re low-maintenance, soft underfoot, and quick to spread, making them a versatile favorite for shaded spaces. A must-have for any native or ornamental garden.
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