Plant Library
 
perennial

Blue Marsh Violet

Viola obliqua

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Blue Marsh Violet (Viola obliqua) at Green Thumb Nursery

Blue Marsh Violet flowers

Blue Marsh Violet flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  6 inches

Spacing:  6 inches

Sunlight:  partial shade  full shade 

Hardiness Zone:  3a

Ornamental Features

Blue Marsh Violet features delicate lightly-scented royal blue flowers at the ends of the stems from early to late spring. Its crinkled heart-shaped leaves remain green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Blue Marsh 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

Blue Marsh Violet is recommended for the following landscape applications;

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

Planting & Growing

Blue Marsh Violet will grow to be only 6 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 8 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 6 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 does best in partial shade to full shade. Keep it well away from hot, dry locations that receive direct afternoon sun or which get reflected sunlight, such as against the south side of a white wall. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. 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.

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