How to Grow Mrs Moon
Wikimedia Commons
Mrs Moon
Viola odorata 'Mrs Moon'
flowerMrs Moon is a charming cultivar of sweet violet featuring distinctive bi-colored flowers with deep purple petals and white centers, creating a striking two-tone effect. This low-growing perennial is prized for its delicate fragrance and compact habit, making it perfect for borders, rock gardens, and containers. It blooms in spring and can sometimes rebloom in fall under ideal conditions.
When should you plant Mrs Moon in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Mrs Moon timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Mrs Moon
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Mrs Moon blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Mrs Moon dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-8, prefers cooler climates
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Get my Mrs Moon timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy
November-FebruaryPlant goes dormant in winter with minimal visible growth, roots develop below soil
Reduce watering significantly; protect with mulch in colder zones; avoid fertilizing during dormancy
Spring Emergence
March-AprilHeart-shaped foliage emerges as temperatures warm, dense low carpet of leaves forms
Resume regular watering as growth begins; remove any dead winter foliage; apply balanced fertilizer
Flowering
April-May (primary), September-October (possible rebloom)Delicate bi-colored flowers with purple petals and white centers appear on short stems, fragrant blooms held above foliage
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming; maintain consistent moisture; enjoy the sweet fragrance
Summer Rest
June-AugustFlowering diminishes as temperatures rise; plant focuses on foliage growth and seed production
Continue watering during dry spells; provide afternoon shade in hot climates; allow some flowers to set seed if desired
Fall Transition
September-OctoberCool temperatures may trigger secondary blooming; foliage remains green but growth slows
Reduce fertilizing; maintain moderate moisture; prepare for winter dormancy
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles in early morning; remove infested leaves; encourage beneficial insects; use insecticidal soap if severe
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and
Remove debris and dense mulch where they hide; use copper tape around containers; beer traps; encourage ground beetles
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or neem oil; remove infected leaves
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Increase humidity by misting; spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; ensure adequate moisture
Uses
Edible flowers and candying
CulinaryMrs Moon's delicate flowers are edible and prized for garnishing salads, desserts, and beverages. The flowers can be candied with egg white and sugar for decorative confections and cakes. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalSweet violets have been used in traditional herbalism for respiratory support and to soothe coughs. Violet leaf and flower infusions have mild expectorant properties. [source]
Fragrance and perfumery
HouseholdMrs Moon's sweet fragrance can be captured in homemade perfumes, infused oils, syrups, and teas. Violet scent is a classic perfume note valued in fine fragrances. [source]
Pressed flowers and crafting
CraftThe bi-colored flowers press beautifully for use in scrapbooking, card-making, resin art, and botanical crafts. Their striking color contrast makes them particularly prized for floral arrangements. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeMrs Moon flowers attract early spring pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies when few other nectar sources are available. The plant provides essential forage for emerging insects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick flowers in early morning after dew dries for best fragrance and freshness. Gently pinch or cut flower stems just below the bloom. Flowers are edible and can be used fresh for garnishing or candying. Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Mrs Moon's flowers temporarily lose their fragrance shortly after blooming due to a compound called ionone, which desensitizes our olfactory receptors—the scent returns after a brief break from smelling the flowers.
- 🌱 Sweet violets have been cultivated and hybridized for over 200 years, with Victorian gardeners creating dozens of named cultivars; Mrs Moon is a heritage cultivar from this era.
- 🌱 Viola odorata has been used since ancient Greece and Rome, where it was a symbol of modesty and virtue, and Josephine Bonaparte famously loved violets and wore them as a boutonniere.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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