1 / 5

Key characteristics

Family: Violaceae
Height: 3 to 6 inches
Width: 6 to 12 inches
Flower color: Deep purple
Foliage color: Green
Bloom time: Spring to early summer
Light: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium; prefers moist, well-draining soil
Maintenance: Low; remove spent flowers to promote reblooming
Growing zone: USDA zones 3 to 9
Wildlife: The flowers attract bees and butterflies

Groundcovers

Viola labradorica

Labrador Violet

Viola labradorica, commonly known as Labrador violet, is a charming perennial native to North America, prized for its dainty, deep violet-purple flowers and attractive heart-shaped leaves with purple undersides. Belonging to the Violaceae family, this low-growing plant thrives in shady areas, forming spreading clumps of semi-evergreen foliage that provide year-round interest in mild climates.

Ideal for shaded or partially shaded gardens, it is often used as ground cover in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and rock gardens.

Light

Part shade to full shade

Water

Medium; prefers moist, well-draining soil

Bloom time

Spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Under Trees
Woodland Gardens
Rock Gardens
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Epimediums · Sarcococcas · Pulmonarias · Japanese forest grasses · Omphalodes · Primroses

Design tip

Tuck small groups into shaded openings where their spring flowers can emerge naturally between ferns and woodland perennials. Repeat patches of violet blooms beneath trees to create a relaxed, naturalized look that gains richness as the planting matures.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)