Viola labradorica (Labrador Violet) is a low-growing, spreading, semi-evergreen perennial with purple-tinged, heart-shaped leaves topped with small, dainty, lavender-blue flowers in early to late spring. Grow your own Viola labradorica, the Labrador violet, also known as the American dog violet or Alpine Violet. Learn about its care, its purple flowers, and how to incorporate it in your garden for ground cover.

Understanding the Context

The attractive dark green foliage of Labrador Violet is tinged with purple and covered with bright lavender blooms in late spring and summer. This low-growing ground cover looks good all season long and is charming in the rock garden or between pavers and stepping stones. Viola labradorica, commonly called Labrador violet, is a very low-growing perennial (1-3" high) which is typically utilized both for its small, attractive, heart-shaped, purple-tinged foliage (to 1 inch across) and its lavender-blue spring flowers. Viola labradorica, commonly known as alpine violet, [2] American dog violet, [3] dog violet[4] or Labrador violet, [3][5][6] is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant.

Key Insights

Labrador violet (Viola labradorica) is an herbaceous plant native to North America. It has delicate, deep-green heart-shaped foliage and beautiful purple flowers. American dog violet is an attractive violet that is much touted in the horticulture trade, due perhaps in part to its long blooming season. However, recent study of the genus by New England Wild Flower Society indicates that the species sold is most likely Viola riviniana, a non-native species. The Labrador Retriever, also known simply as the Labrador or Lab, is a British breed of retriever gun dog.

Final Thoughts

It was developed in the United Kingdom from St John's water dogs imported from the Colony of Newfoundland, and was named after the Labrador region in that colony.