Common Name: violet
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Violaceae
Zone: 5 to 7
Height: 0.50 to 1.00 feet
Spread: 0.75 to 1.00 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Description: White with yellow eye
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Ground Cover
Flower: Showy, Fragrant
Tolerate: Deer, Heavy Shade
Culture
Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Takes full sun in cool summer climates. Prefers organically rich, humusy, moisture-retentive soils. Intolerant of drought.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Viola is a genus of about 500 species found worldwide in temperate areas. Many hybrids have been made for their showy flowers.
Genus name comes from the Latin name for various sweet-scented flowers.
'Cat's Whiskers' is a low-growing perennial which spreads to form an attractive ground cover (8-10" tall) of oval, dark green leaves. Fragrant, pansy-like, creamy white flowers with bright yellow eyes. Short, fine, purple lines at the petal bases radiate outward from the eye of each flower, superficially resembling whiskers, hence the cultivar name. Blooms in spring, with sparse and sporadic summer rebloom often occurring.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Ground cover for part sun areas of rock gardens, border fronts or woodland gardens. Also may be used as an edger.