Viola cornuta aka Horned Violet

Viola cornuta thrives in cool temperatures below 75°F (24°C) and performs best during spring and fall. It tolerates cold well, surviving temperatures down to -15°C (5°F), making it hardy through most winters. The plant may stop blooming during hot summer weather but will resume flowering when temperatures cool in autumn.

Viola cornuta produces masses of delicate pansy-like flowers from spring through fall, with peak blooming during cooler weather. The flowers are 2-4cm across with five petals and a distinctive narrow spur at the back. Wild species bloom in violet-blue to lavender shades, while cultivars offer white, yellow, apricot, red, and bicolor options. The fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies.

Yes, Viola cornuta flowers have a sweet, light fragrance. The scent is subtle but noticeable, especially on the Celestial series cultivars which are bred for enhanced fragrance. The perfumed blooms add sensory appeal when planted near seating areas or along pathways where the scent can be enjoyed.

Popular cultivar series include the Sorbet series (bred for heat and cold tolerance), Penny series (compact with prolific blooms), and Celestial series (noted for fragrance and winter hardiness). Individual favorites include 'Sorbet XP Deep Orange', 'Penny Yellow', 'Celestial Blue Moon', and various bicolor varieties. Colors range from traditional violet-blue to white, yellow, apricot, red, and dramatic near-black varieties like 'Blackout'.

Viola cornuta is primarily an outdoor plant, thriving in garden beds, borders, rock gardens, and containers. It's hardy in USDA zones 6-11 and tolerates frost down to -15°C. In cooler climates (zones 6-9), it grows as a true perennial, while in warmer zones it's often treated as a cool-season annual. The plant excels in woodland gardens, as edging, or as ground cover.

In spring and fall, Viola cornuta blooms prolifically and requires regular watering to maintain moist soil. During hot summer weather, blooming may cease—cut plants back by one-third to encourage fresh growth and renewed flowering when temperatures cool. In winter, established plants in zones 6-9 are evergreen and need minimal care beyond occasional watering during dry spells.

Regular deadheading of spent flowers encourages prolonged blooming and prevents excessive self-seeding. During hot summer weather when flowering declines, cut plants back by one-third to stimulate fresh growth. After flowering finishes in autumn, trim vigorous growth to maintain a compact form. This pruning promotes healthier plants and better flowering the following season.

Viola cornuta can be propagated by seed or division. Sow seeds in autumn in a cold frame, or in early spring—cold stratification improves germination. Division is best done in autumn or just after flowering; divide clumps and replant immediately. Stem cuttings can also be taken from healthy growth. The plant readily self-seeds in favorable conditions.

Common pests include slugs and snails, which damage flowers and foliage—control with beer traps or iron phosphate baits. Aphids may appear on new growth in spring. Fungal diseases include anthracnose (pale spots with black margins), gray mold in humid conditions, and root rot in waterlogged soil. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Viola cornuta is primarily pollinated by bees and butterflies, which are attracted to the fragrant flowers. The distinctive spur at the back of the flower contains nectar that guides pollinators. The plant also supports fritillary butterfly larvae, making it valuable for pollinator gardens. Some self-pollination can occur, contributing to its prolific self-seeding habit.

Yes, both the flowers and young leaves of Viola cornuta are edible. The flowers have a mild, sweet flavor with subtle wintergreen notes, perfect for garnishing salads, desserts, and cocktails. Young leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in soups, where they thicken the broth like okra. The flowers can also be crystallized with sugar for decorating cakes or infused into syrups and teas.

Beyond ornamental value, Viola cornuta serves as an excellent ground cover for cool, shaded areas, forming a dense mat that suppresses weeds once established. Space plants 60cm apart for ground cover purposes. The plant is also valuable in pollinator gardens, supporting bees, butterflies, and fritillary butterfly larvae. Historically, violas were used to produce natural dyes.