Viola hederacea is a
plant of many names. Taxonomists have recently renamed it
Viola banksii, probably because that is what Joseph Banks called it a
century and a half ago. Plant names have a large amount of inertia.
It takes awhile for everybody to catch up. But it will take years
for the nurseries to catch up if they even want to. Common names
that allude to this Violet's native origins include: Native Violet,
Australian Violet, Tasmanian Violet, and Brisbane Violet. Common
names that work off the Latin name use ivy. Regardless this is a
great plant in the garden. Viola hederacea prefers a moist
environment and will gradually spread its runners through the irrigated
zone. I have used it in walkways between stepping stones and in shaded as well as sunny
gardens for a groundcover. Viola hederacea will overrun slow growing
rock garden plants but is quite compatible with more upright
plants. Viola hederacea is hardy until temperatures dip below the
mid 20's. Viola hederacea is easily divided to spread to other parts
of the garden.
High resolution images of
Viola hederacea are available.
