How to grow Australian Native Violet in New Zealand
This is Viola hederacea, the Australian native violet, sold in New Zealand garden centres as Australian violet. It is a low, spreading groundcover with kidney-shaped leaves and small purple-and-white flowers for much of the year, and both flowers and leaves are edible. It is ideal for shady borders, under trees and between pavers, where it spreads by runners to form a soft mat.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Native Violet in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | August to May | |
| Auckland | August to May | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | August to May | |
| Central North Island | August to May | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | August to May | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | August to May | |
| Canterbury | August to May | |
| Otago & Southland | September to April | Plant Sep to Apr so roots establish before the hard frosts. |
| Central Otago | September to March | Plant Sep to Mar so roots establish before the hard frosts. |
Not to be confused with: New Zealand's own native violets, such as Viola banksii and Viola cunninghamii, which are different species, and the garden violas and pansies.
Where to plant
Australian violet grows best in part shade, in moist, well-drained soil improved with compost. It will take full sun in cooler regions as long as the soil stays moist, but in hot districts give it shelter from afternoon sun. It is evergreen and fast growing, forming a dense mat that spreads about 50 cm within a couple of years.
It spreads by runners and can naturalise readily, so plant it where it can roam, such as under trees, along shady paths and between stepping stones, and trim it back if it strays.
- Northland to Canterbury, including Wellington and Nelson and Marlborough: plant almost any time from August to May, avoiding the hottest weeks for new plants.
- Otago and Southland: plant from September to April so roots establish before the hard frosts.
- Central Otago: plant from September to March so roots establish before the hard frosts.
How to plant
- Plant potted plants about 20 to 30 cm apart into moist soil enriched with compost.
- Water in well and mulch between plants to hold moisture until they knit together.
- To make more plants, dig up rooted runners and replant them; seed is slow and rarely used.
Watering and feeding
Keep the soil moist, especially in dry spells; the plants wilt quickly when dry, and steady moisture keeps them flowering.
Apply compost or a slow-release fertiliser in spring to boost growth and flowering.
Pruning and care through the year
- Trim back runners that spread beyond where you want them.
- Shear old, tired patches back in late winter to bring on fresh growth.
- Protect new plantings from slugs and snails.
Harvesting
Pick the small purple-and-white flowers to scatter over salads and desserts, and young leaves to use raw or cooked. Pick as needed; the flowers wilt quickly once picked.
Growing in pots
Australian violet suits shallow pots, troughs and hanging baskets in part shade. Keep the mix moist and feed in spring.
Varieties
- Australian Violet (Viola hederacea)
Companion planting
As a shade-loving groundcover, Australian violet fits well under shrubs and trees and alongside ferns.
Good companions
- Ferns Ferns share the same moist, shady conditions and pair well with a violet groundcover.
- Native plants A low groundcover under shrubs and trees in a shady garden.
Pests and diseases
Australian violet is tough and has few problems. Slugs and snails are the main nuisance, especially on new plants.
Pests to watch for
- Slugs Holes chewed in leaves and flowers, mostly in damp weather.
- Snails Holes chewed in leaves and flowers, mostly in damp weather.
Australian Native Violet is rarely troubled by disease.
Common questions
Is Australian violet a New Zealand native?
No. Viola hederacea is native to Australia. New Zealand has its own native violets, such as Viola banksii and Viola cunninghamii, which are different plants.
Are Australian violet flowers edible?
Yes. The flowers can be used in salads and as a garnish, and the leaves can be eaten raw or cooked.
Will Australian violet grow in sun?
It prefers part shade, but it will adapt to full sun in cooler regions if the soil stays moist. In hot districts give it afternoon shade.
Does Australian violet spread?
Yes. It spreads by runners to form a mat about 50 cm across within a couple of years and can naturalise, so trim it back where it strays.
How do I propagate Australian violet?
Dig up rooted pieces of runner and replant them; they establish quickly in moist soil.
Sources we checked: Kahikatea Farm (NZ organic nursery): Viola hederacea, Australian violet; The Plant Company (NZ): Viola hederacea; NZ Plant Conservation Network: Viola banksii.