Sweet Violet 'White Czar' (Viola odorata 'White Czar'): Pure White Fragrant Flowers for Shade

Botanical Profile

Family: Violaceae (vy-oh-LAY-see-ee)
Genus: Viola (vy-OH-la)
Species: odorata (oh-dor-AY-tuh)
Cultivar: 'White Czar'

Description

'White Czar' is a selection of sweet violet with pure white, intensely fragrant flowers—lacking the typical purple pigment. It forms a low, spreading clump 4–6 inches tall with heart-shaped, deep green leaves. Blooms in early to mid-spring, often with a light rebloom in fall. The fragrance is classic violet: sweet, powdery, and haunting.

Cultivation

Prefers partial to full shade with moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Hardy in zones 4–9. Spreads by stolons and self-seeding. Divide clumps in spring or fall. Excellent for woodland gardens, shade borders, and underplanting shrubs.

Uses

The flowers are edible and highly fragrant—used for violet syrup, candied violets, garnishes, and perfumery. The leaves are rich in vitamins A and C. A beloved cottage garden plant for centuries.