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perennial

Common Blue Violet

Viola sororia

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Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia) at Minor's Garden Center

Common Blue Violet flowers

Common Blue Violet flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia) at Minor's Garden Center

Common Blue Violet in bloom

Common Blue Violet in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Plant Height:  6 inches

Flower Height:  8 inches

Spacing:  8 inches

Sunlight:  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  4a

Group/Class:  Native

Brand:  RADTKE

Ornamental Features

Common Blue Violet features delicate lilac purple flowers at the ends of the stems in mid spring, which emerge from distinctive white flower buds. Its tomentose heart-shaped leaves remain green in color throughout the season. The brick red stems are very colorful and add to the overall interest of the plant.

Landscape Attributes

Common Blue Violet is an herbaceous perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Invasive
  • Self-Seeding

Common Blue Violet is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Border Edging
  • General Garden Use
  • Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Common Blue Violet will grow to be only 6 inches tall at maturity extending to 8 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 12 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 8 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 3 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant should be grown in a location with partial shade or which is shaded from the hot afternoon sun. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider covering it with a thick layer of mulch in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is native to parts of North America.

Sizes Available:

4.5" CONT $6.49

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Edging  Garden  Naturalizing 
Applications
Flowers  Texture  Bark 
Ornamental Features