Not sure how well it will do in the heat of z8 TX, but it's performed ok here in the north. It is taller and more upright than Butterfly Blue or Blue Diamonds. Also much larger and much darker flowers. Violet rather than Lavender. More mildew resistance. Makes it through our winters better than others, but still needs good drainage. Hasn't been readily available from the breeder. (terra nova) Vivid Violet also performs better than other older varieties, but is more similar to Butterfly Blue. Both varieties bloom less than Butterfly Blue or Blue Diamonds, but I think that is probably why the plants are stronger and longer lived. The Plant Geek www.confessionsofaplantgeek.blogspot.com

Hi! I notice most of this thread is 9 years old and i wonder if you folks are still here, reading this discussion makes me happy. I was researching if i could transplant iris, black eyed Susan, bergamot, and coneflowers into my damp sunny front yard violet patch and expect them to thrive, and I'm going to try it! @Hu of 5 months ago, that would be really pretty, columbine with violets. IDK if it would work but I will try it too after the hardy stuff establishes! My goal is to make a privacy screen so I feel less exposed in my front yard. I want it dense with always something blooming. Right now I have a big forsythia on one end, hollies on the other, and a 100yo rose bush in the middle. I want to be able to put a hammock between the apple trees without my neighbors leering at me. Zone 6 NE KY!

No idea if this will work but if it does there will be 2 pics. One, a flower, the other showing Governor Herrick leaves with a common garden variety of V.odorata. Point is that G.H. is distinct from V.odorata. The glossy dark green leaves of G.H. are easy to recognise. New varieties like 'Susan Chilcott' add to the charm of G.H. being special. I believe 'Royal Elk' and 'Royal Robe' have G.H in their make-up. Don't know but I wouldn't be surprised if 'Winter Gem' falls within this same group of violets. Sorry I don't know anything about violets from New Zealand. If you really want perfume and lovely plants look for the Parma Violets. Otherwise' old cottage garden varieties of V.odorata will turn up if you just keep asking everyone you meet. In time you will have a collection of violets which somebody's grandma grew; each one a precious thing and reminder of days gone by. If you source plants from commercial plant nurseries be prepared for a few surprises too with mistaken identities. I mail-ordered 'Princess of Wales' from a magazine advertisement once and received a neat crown of 'Governor Herrick'! Cheers, H :)

I have grown these violets before in shade and part shade. Some fritillaries lay their eggs on violets but Gulf Fritillaries lay their eggs on passion flowers and the adults love lantana flowers. Good luck!