The Beautiful Scent of a Violet
Perfume made from the Sweet Purple Flower
The beautiful scent of the sweet purple violet flower has been grown for centuries to create exotic perfumes.
Violet
"I look upon the pleasure which we take in a garden, as one of the most innocent delights in human life."
Joseph Addison
There are records of sweet violets growing during the first century AD in Persia, Syria, and Turkey. Violets have been introduced elsewhere and are now cultivated in several countries for their lovely and exotic scent used in the perfume industry. There are many stories associated with this charming herb.
For centuries, exotic perfumes have been made from the flowers of sweet violet mixed with the violet scented roots of orris, and the last half of the 19th century saw concentrated interest in it. Acres were cultivated to grow it as a market garden plant. Its main use was as a cut flower. No lady of quality would venture out without wearing a bunch of violets.
Sweet violet is a hardy perennial with a height of 3 inches and a spread of 6 inches. The sweet-smelling white or purple flowers bloom in early spring. The leaves are heart-shaped and form a rosette at the base, from which the long-stalked flowers originate.
Viola odorata
The wood violet is a 1 to 8 inch pale lilac/blue flower blooming in early spring. The leaves are green and heart-shaped. The difference between this plant and the common dog violet is the flowering time and a slight difference in flower color. The dog violet is also a hardy perennial with pale lilac flowers in early summer. This violet does not grow runners as do the others.
The small seed should be sown in early autumn in prepared seed trays. Water in and cover with a layer of soil, and lastly cover with a sheet of glass or polyethylene. Put the trays either in a corner of the garden or in a cold frame. In the spring when the seedling are large enough to handle, transplant into pots. Place outside when the soil is warm enough to be worked in a semi- shaded place.
When using runners to propagate this plant, remove them in late spring and replant in a prepared site in the garden. Plant firmly in the ground. Make sure that the base of the crown is well embedded in the soil and water well.
Divide well-established plants as soon as flowering is over in early summer. Replant in the garden in exactly the same way as for runners. Violets thrive best in a moderately heavy, rich soil in a semi-shaded area.
Violets make lovely container plants. After flowering, give them a liquid feed of fertilizer. During the summer months, place the container outside in partial shade.
Only sweet violet has been used medicinally. Various parts are used, most commonly the rootstock. It is an excellent, soothing expectorant and is used to treat a range of respiratory disorders, such as bronchitis, coughs and head colds. The flowers have a reputation for being slightly sedative and may help in cases of anxiety and insomnia. Seek the advise of a trained herbalist before attempting self treatment.
The flowers of sweet violet are used in crystallized form for decorating cakes and homemade sweets. The flowers are also used in potpourris, floral water, and perfumes. It is one of the most highly scented violets. It has been hybridized to produce Palma violets, with a single or double flower, in a range of deep colors.
In most parts of the eastern United States, violets are very common and sometimes may seem more like a "weed" in the gardens. In order to fully appreciate their beauty and aroma, it is well worth designating a special place for them to thrive.
McVicar, Jekka. Herbs for the Home,Penguin Books USA Inc,1994.
