Viola cornuta
Horned Violet
Photo: Isidre blanc · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source
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Description
The horned violet (Viola cornuta) is a winter‑green, perennial herb native to the Pyrenees and Cantabrian Mountains. It produces delicate, spotted flowers in white, violet, yellow, and bi‑coloured varieties that bloom for many months. In gardens it is versatile: suitable for beds, balcony planters, ground cover under light trees, and as a spreading mat. Long‑blooming cultivars such as ‘Molly Sanderson’ (velvety dark violet) or the winter‑hardy ‘Ice Babies’ extend the flowering season into autumn. As a perennial, the horned violet returns each year, forming dense, flower‑rich patches over time.
Care instructions
Plant the horned violet in a sunny to semi‑shaded spot, more light yields fuller blooms. The soil should be loose, humus‑rich, and well‑draining, as the plant does not tolerate waterlogging. After the main flowering period, cut the patches back by about half to encourage a second flush; regularly removing faded flowers keeps the plant in a blooming state. As a winter‑green plant, it benefits from light mulch such as straw or leaf litter during cold frosts to protect it from sun‑drained winter conditions.
Soil & site
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