Freckles Wood Violet

Freckles Wood Violet (Viola sororia 'Freckles') is a low, spreading groundcover from the woodlands of North America, about 15cm tall and 20cm wide. Heart-shaped leaves carry small white flowers like miniature pansies, each spotted with purple, usually in spring. It is a dainty plant for shady beds, pavers and pots, and it is completely frost hardy.

Why you'll love it

• Freckled flowers. Each white mini-pansy flower is spotted with purple, like a tiny painted detail.
• Heart-shaped leaves. The tidy foliage forms a soft green carpet that keeps its looks between flowerings.
• Made for dappled shade. It comes from woodlands, where the soil is moist and leafy cover protects it from hot sun.
• Totally frost hardy. Cold winters are no trouble at all.
• Versatile. It works as a groundcover, between pavers, in hanging baskets and in windowboxes.

Where it works best

Shady groundcover. Plant 20cm apart, which is about 25 plants per square metre. At that spacing the mature 20cm spread closes up into a dense carpet within a season or two.

Shady borders. A band along the front of a shaded bed softens the edge and hides bare soil beneath taller plants.

Between pavers. Tuck plants into the gaps of paths and stepping stones in moist, dappled shade.

Hanging baskets and windowboxes. Its small size and neat flowers suit containers on a sheltered veranda or windowsill.

Growing Freckles Wood Violet in Australia

Position and climate. Part shade or dappled shade. It is totally frost hardy and suits cool temperate, warm temperate and shaded subtropical gardens. In warmer gardens keep it out of hot afternoon sun, because it is a woodland plant that likes leafy protection.

Soil. Moist, free-draining soil. It is happy in sandy or clay soils, as long as they are not allowed to dry out completely. If it likes the situation, it may self-seed, so plant it where seedlings are welcome.

Water and feed. Water generously for the first 12 weeks or so while it establishes, then regularly in dry spells, and more often if it is planted in a sunnier spot. Feed with liquid fertiliser each month through spring and summer for lush coverage.

Pruning. None needed. Trim away tired leaves after flowering. In the coldest gardens the foliage may thin or die back in winter and return in spring.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Freckles Wood Violet as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small plant with a few heart-shaped leaves, and it spreads outwards as it settles. Plants travel upright, so unpack them promptly and water them in.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on the page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Groundcover plants
• Plants for partial shade
• The best groundcovers for shade
• Groundcovers to plant between pavers

Common questions

How many plants do I need?

Plant 20cm apart, which is about 25 plants for each square metre. Expect it to close up over a season or two while you keep it watered.

Will it self-seed?

It may, if it likes the situation. Plant it where a few extra violets are welcome, and pull out seedlings that wander into places you want kept clear.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes. It does well in hanging baskets and windowboxes in part shade, with a regular watering and a monthly liquid feed through spring and summer.