Violas a magic carpet of perennial color

We’re all familiar with the brightly colored violas available in six-packs and 4-inch pots this time of year. There are all manner of color combinations and they bloom continuously until spring. But did you know that these pretty violas are hybrids and that there is a host of species violas, some even native to California, that await the gardener at his or her local nursery or garden center? These woodland violas are true perennials, so they will colonize the area you plant them in. Their motto should be: “Plant us once; enjoy many more of us for life.”

Topping that list would be the widely available Viola labradorica. Its calling card is a lovely purplishbrown blush to the heartshaped leaves. Like its perennial cousins, it stays low to the ground. It will not only colonize a part-shade location via rhizomes, but it can populate by self-seeding. No worries about this tough evergreen taking over, however; it spreads slowly and surely. Lovely lavender flowers appear all summer long.

Another reliable and lovely choice is Viola corsica. Although it hails from, yes, the French island of Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea, it has made itself at home in our similar climate. A bit taller at 4 to 8 inches, it features mid-green leaves and exceptionally pretty violet-purple flowers. Like many violets, the upper petals are a solid color, with dark “whiskers” on the lower leaves and a yellow center. This hardy perennial can bloom over a long period, from spring through late fall; once established, it will smother an area with prolific purple. If you want the wow factor, try the royal purple blooms of Viola cornuta ‘Ulla.’ As vivid as the deepest purple sweet pea, it puts on quite the summer show.

Although several violas have a pleasing woodsy scent, there’s no doubt that the queen of the fragrance world of violas is V. odorata. Aptly named, both the straight species and its many hybrids possess a delicious sweet smell. Two recent varieties have appeared on the scene, each with its own charms. V. odorata ‘Duchesse de Parme’ offers lovely bluishlavender flowers that although small pack quite the olfactory punch. The newest member, V. odorata ‘Comte de Brazza,’ goes one better, offering a rare double form of flower and is pure white to boot. The flowers were popular in turn of the 20th century corsages, where their petite flowers were massed to create an intoxicating scent. It, too, stays low and will spread. But many gardeners will want to put odoratas in an elevated container and close by so they can enjoy these delightful blooms scent more easily.

Earl Nickel is an Oakland nurseryman and freelance writer. Email: food@sfchronicle.com

Annie’s Annuals & Perennials Viola labradorica offers purple flowers with a purplish-brown blush to its leaves.