Viola sororia
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia) is a low-growing, stemless native perennial with heart-shaped leaves and classic five-petaled flowers in deep violet to blue-purple in late winter and spring. Native to eastern North America, it serves as the sole larval host plant for several fritillary butterfly species. Starting at $14.95.
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. May lose some foliage in cold snaps.
Common blue violet prefers partial shade to full shade in northeast Florida; in Zone 9b's intense summer heat, shade is essential to prevent foliage dieback. Morning sun with afternoon shade is acceptable if moisture is consistent.
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during warm months. Viola sororia is not drought-tolerant in Zone 9b heat; supplement with irrigation during dry spells and mulch heavily to retain moisture and moderate soil temperature.
Grow in humus-rich, moist, well-drained acidic to neutral soil. Little to no fertilizer is needed; excessive nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. Top-dress annually with compost to maintain organic matter.
Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.

Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, acidic, and zone 9a hardiness.

Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.

Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.
Common Blue Violet is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 0.25-0.5 feet × 0.5-1 feet.
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.