Overview
Viola sororia is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Viola, part of the Violaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Viola sororia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH.
About
Viola sororia ( vy-OH-lə sə-ROR-ee-ə), known commonly as the common blue violet, is a short-stemmed herbaceous perennial plant native to eastern North America. It is known by a number of common names, including common meadow violet, purple violet, woolly blue violet, hooded violet, and wood violet. This perennial plant is distributed in the eastern half of the United States, Canada, and a part of eastern Mexico. Its native habitats are rich, moist woods, and swamps located in the eastern half of the United States and Canada. Mature plants reach roughly 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Viola sororia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Viola
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
Plant details
Viola sororia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Viola sororia?
Viola sororia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Viola sororia need?
Viola sororia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Viola sororia grow?
Viola sororia reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
More in the Viola genus
- Viola 'Imperial Antique Shades'
- Viola 'Ab5131'PBR
- Viola 'Alice Witter' (Vt)
- Viola 'Beatrice' (Vtta)
- Viola 'Black Knight'
- Viola 'Caroline' (Va)
- Viola 'Cinders' (Vtta)
- Viola 'Clover' (Va)