‘Silver Gem' is like the fancy cousin of your everyday violet, sporting a dazzling mat of silvery-blue heart-shaped leaves with bold dark veins and sneaky purplish undersides that shimmer in the shade. Come spring (and often right into summer), she pops out sweet, soft lavender-violet flowers tucked cozily among the leaves, whispering "hello" with a hint of fragrance. This charmer spreads gently by stolons into a low, semi-evergreen carpet that's tough as nails once settled. Drought? Pfft, no problem! Plus, deer and rabbits usually turn up their noses. Tuck her into woodland nooks, rock gardens, or along shady paths with trilliums and phlox for some twinkly, secret garden party magic.
Conditions: Part shade to full shade; average to dry moisture; drought tolerant once established
Size: 3”-5" tall, 10”-15" wide
Zone: 5 - 8
Wildlife Value: Larval host for fritillary butterflies and other violet specialists; flowers support various pollinators, especially bumblebees
Photos: Samantha Nestory