Viola 'Duchesse de Parme'

Also Known As

Viola odorata 'Duchess du Parme'
Viola odorata 'Duchesse De Parme'
Viola odorata 'Duchesse du Parme'
Double Sweet Violet
Duchesse du Parme Violet
Parma Violet

Plant type

perennial, groundcover

size

H: 6"-8"
W: 6"-16"

planting zones

7a-10b

More Options

Viola 'Duchesse de Parme' plant details

Viola 'Duchesse de Parme' is a broadleaf deciduous perennial groundcover with green foliage. In fall, spring and winter lavender and purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees and beneficial insects making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - shade and regular - occasional water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Viola 'Duchesse de Parme'

Plant type: perennial groundcover
Plant family: violaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 IN - 16 IN - wide, 6 IN - 8 IN - tall
Flowers: lavender and purple blooms in fall, spring and winter
Uses: compact, container plant, easy-to-grow, edging plant, fragrant, heirloom, long-blooming, rare, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Viola 'Duchesse de Parme'

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - shade
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

First cultivated in Parma, Italy in the 16th Century and said to be the easiest of the Parmas to grow. Parma violets are the most fragrant of the scented violets. While they are perennial, they are tender and not winter hardy in most parts of the US so should be potted and wintered indoors. It is written that they will survive 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but not for long, and in my own experience, not at all. To make the plants stronger and to produce more blooms, cut off the runners in late summer/early fall. They will perfume an entire room, so the effort is worth it. (1870)

By: Violetsblew

Same as 'Alba Plena' but with lavender flowers. This is one of the several parma violets that were available a long time ago but now extremely hard to find. Who ever has some others hiding in the backyard, please let us know and we'll trade.

By: Edelweiss Perennials

The origin of the Parma violets is unknown, however, Empress Josephine, who grew them at Malmaison, embraced them. The most richly scented of all violets, the 1870 'Duchesse de Parme' has doubled flowers of lavender. Once grown for use in perfumery and corsages, we enjoy it today as a potted plant, where the petite flowers show to best advantage. Winter indoors in the North.

By: Select Seeds

Delightfully delicious 'Duchesse De Parme' is the most fragrant of all violets! Decadently topped with elegant ruffled double lavender blooms in Spring, no one knows exactly where the mysterious & rare Parma violets came from. They're believed to have originated in North Africa or perhaps the Near East, but they first appeared in cultivation during the 16thCentury in Parma, Italy thanks to the Bourbons. Napoleon's second wife, the 'Duchesse De Parme', was a Parma violet freak. While residing in Parma she took over all aspects of the botanical garden's collection & even gave financial support to monks who in turn created her own personal scent "Violetta de Parma". Word is she even used an image of a violet as her signature. Thrives in rich well drained soil. Perfect pot candidate growing to a cute 6"x6".