Common Blue Violet
Viola sororia
A low-growing herbaceous perennial featuring heart-shaped, scalloped leaves that grow in a basal rosette. It is known for its five-petaled purple or blue flowers.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade; prefers filtered sunlight or 3-6 hours of daily sun.
- Water
- Consistent moisture is preferred. It is moderately drought-tolerant once established but leaves may wilt or go dormant in extreme heat without water.
- Growth
- Perennial; clump-forming basal rosette; grows 4-8 inches tall and spreads 6-12 inches wide; moderate to fast growth rate.
Care instructions
This is a hardy plant that thrives in moist, well-draining soil with partial shade. Minimal maintenance is required as it naturalizes easily. Fertilizer is generally unnecessary.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; prefers filtered sunlight or 3-6 hours of daily sun.
Watering
Consistent moisture is preferred. It is moderately drought-tolerant once established but leaves may wilt or go dormant in extreme heat without water.
Soil
Rich, moist, well-drained loamy soil; pH range 6.0 to 7.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA Zones 3-9
Growth habit
Perennial; clump-forming basal rosette; grows 4-8 inches tall and spreads 6-12 inches wide; moderate to fast growth rate.
Bloom season
Early to mid-spring; flowers are typically violet to deep blue with white throats, though white and speckled varieties exist.
Propagation
Propagates via seed (including self-seeding via cleistogamous flowers) and by division of the thick rhizomes in spring or fall.
Common pests & issues
Generally pest-resistant but can be affected by spider mites in dry conditions or leaf spot in overly wet environments. Often considered a 'weed' in manicured lawns.
Similar species
Viola cucullata (Marsh Blue Violet) which prefers wetter soils, and Viola odorata (Sweet Violet) which is fragrant and native to Europe.
Interesting facts
Violets produce two types of flowers: the showy purple ones in spring and small, petal-less 'cleistogamous' flowers near the ground that self-pollinate without opening.