Sweet Violet

Attractive perennial that marks the beginning of spring with attractive flowers appearing early in the season. Sweet violet flowers are well known for their delightful fragrance, having been used in perfumes, cooking, dyes and remedies throughout history. Sweet-scented, lavender-blue flowers are easy to candy, garnish deserts and use in salads, wraps and sandwiches. Interestingly enough, pigments from its petals are used to produce litmus papers, simple chemistry strips that test pH (acidity or alkalinity). Sweet violet has been used traditionally for a wide variety of ailments, including nervous strain, fatigue, menopause as well as digestive, respiratory and sleep conditions. Thrives in shady areas. Low growing, forming rosettes of dark green, heart shaped leaves; Cold hardy. Height up to 4in (10cm).