Viola 'Governor Herrick'

Also Known As

Viola odorata 'Governor Herrick'
Governor Herrick Sweet Violet

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 6"
W: 10"

planting zones

4a-9a

More Options

Viola 'Governor Herrick' plant details

Viola 'Governor Herrick' is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with green foliage. In spring purple flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and even moisture water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Viola 'Governor Herrick'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: violaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 0 - 10 IN - wide, 0 - 6 IN - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in spring
Uses: cottage garden, cutting garden, easy-to-grow, fragrant, heirloom, self-sowing, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Viola 'Governor Herrick'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9a
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Advertised in Horticulture in 1906 by the originator H.R. Carlton as “the finest single, the freest bloomer, the greatest moneymaker ever offered for sale.” This hyperbole was printed during the heyday of violets as cut flowers and corsage flowers. Scented in the morning hours; long, strong stems, now you can pick your own!

By: Select Seeds

Named varieties of Violets, other than the parmas, often have none or little fragrance; 'Governor Herrick' is supposed to be unscented, according to the American Violet Society, but ours is, at least in the morning. At any rate, this selection was done about 100 years ago and prized for lots of large flowers on long, sturdy stems.