Viola 'Marie Louise' (Parma)

Also Known As

Viola odorata (Parma) 'Marie Louise'
Marie Louise Double Parma Violet

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 4"-6"
W: 6"-8"

planting zones

7b-9a

More Options

Viola 'Marie Louise' (Parma) plant details

Viola 'Marie Louise' (Parma) is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with green foliage. In spring blue, lavender and white flowers emerge. Grows well with mostly sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Viola 'Marie Louise' (Parma)

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: violaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 6 IN - 8 IN - wide, 4 IN - 6 IN - tall
Flowers: blue, lavender and white blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, cutting garden, fragrant, houseplant, rare, unique, woodland garden, year-round-interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Viola 'Marie Louise' (Parma)

USDA Zones: 7b - 9a
Sun exposure: mostly sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and snail / slug, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

"Marie Louise", named for Marie Louisa, the second wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, who was a great admirer of scented violets. It is considered the hardiest of the Parmas, although I cannot attest to this. It is similar to "Duchesse de Parme" but the lavender is much deeper. 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. (1865 but believed to be earlier)