Common blue violet - Viola sororia (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Common blue violet

Also known as: Common meadow violet, Hooded violet

The common blue violet is an attractive wildflower known for its blue to purplish white hues. It is common in North America, where it is sometimes associated with a weed. The plant is popular as an ornamental, and it is a state flower in several states in the US. Its flowers and leaves are edible and safe to be planted near pets.

Scientific classification

Species

Common blue violet (Viola sororia)

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Early summer

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Harvest Time

5 cm to 50 cm

Plant Height

15 cm to 25 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Common blue violet

Attributes of Common blue violet

Growth Rate

Exhibiting a moderate growth speed, common blue violet peaks during spring. This results in a steady height increase, suffused leaf production, and vibrant violet blooming. While slower in other seasons, its spring-time surge exemplifies the plant's adaptability, demonstrating the ecological strategy of seasonal bloom optimisation.

Distribution of Common blue violet

Distribution Map

The common blue violet originated in Canada and the United States, growing in lawns, gardens, and meadows. The flowering plant is also considered invasive in its native growing area because it pushes out garden plants and lawn turf. It has also been introduced into parts of Europe.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Moist meadows, Low woods, Shady banks, Sandy substrates

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Common blue violet (Viola sororia) is an attractive and popular perennial. It is low-growing so is best grown in beds and at the front of borders in cottage and coastal gardens. This plant's main appeal is its spring and (sometimes) summer-blooming showy flowers, which are best displayed in containers or as ground cover. Woodland phlox offers an excellent color contrast to this flower.

Symbolism

Enduring faith, sweetness

Interesting Facts

Napoleon Bonaparte, the well-known French military leader, decided that the common blue violet was his signature flower. He covered his wife's grave with the common blue violet when she died. Supporters of Napoleon would ask other people if they liked the common blue violet. If the person responded yes, it meant they were loyal to Napoleon.

Name Story

Common blue violet: The appearance of this plant is extremely attractive. Its heart-shaped leaves are matched with its asymmetrical flowers, and its flowers are rare blue-purple. Consequently, these features make it the garden favorite. In addition, it is the most common species of the genus, so it is often called common blue-violet in which violet is derived from latin, viola.

Lesbian flower: This plant is also the flower of love, symbolizing lesbian love. In one of the poems, the poet described herself and her lover often wearing the flowers of Viola sororia to prove their love. In the early 20th century, lesbian flowers were given to their lovers by the lesbians in order to express their love.

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Quickly Identify Common blue violet

Heart-shaped leaves up to 4 inches (10 cm) across, yellowish-green with serrated edges.

Iconic five-petaled flowers in varying purple hues, with unique symmetrical structure.

Rhizomatous stems, slender and pale brown, key for vegetative reproduction and clumping habit.

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Care Guide for Common blue violet

Twice per week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Common blue violet prefers a moisture-rich environment and damp soil, requiring balanced watering twice a week for optimal growth. This herbaceous perennial adapts well to varying rain patterns, ensuring hydration throughout its growth cycle without being drought-tolerant or needing excessive humidity.

Fertilize: For optimal health of common blue violet, apply balanced nutrition fertilizers in spring, using moderate quantities monthly. Dilute to half-strength to prevent root burn and reduce dosage in fall. Incorporate gently into the soil to enhance resilience and ornamental appeal.

Pruning: Common blue violet features heart-shaped leaves and delicate blue flowers. Prune in early to late spring by removing dead foliage for better air circulation, controlling its spread, and ensuring vibrant blooms. Regular pruning also helps deter pests and disease, enhancing overall vitality.

Propagation: Common blue violet self-seeds effectively for propagation but can also be successfully grown from cuttings. Ensure cuttings, preferably with nodes, remain moist and receive adequate indirect sunlight for optimal root development, preserving the genetic traits of the parent plant.

Repotting: Common blue violet grows 4-6 inches tall and benefits from repotting every 2-3 years, preferably in early spring. Use a slightly larger pot with moist, well-draining soil and provide partial shade. Consistent watering promotes health, but common blue violet is resilient and adapts well post-repotting.

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Images of Common blue violet

Attributes of Common blue violet

Distribution of Common blue violet

Culture

Quickly Identify Common blue violet

Care Guide for Common blue violet

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