Viola cornuta (horned pansy) — perennial

Overview

Viola cornuta is a perennial in the genus Viola, part of the Violaceae family. It typically grows around 0.2 m tall. Viola cornuta grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is native to Pyrenees.

About the genus

Viola, commonly known as the violets, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Violaceae. It is the largest genus in the family, containing over 680 species. Most species are found in the temperate Northern Hemisphere; however, some are also found in widely divergent areas such as Hawaii, Australasia, and the Andes.

Wikipedia contributors, "Viola (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Viola (plant)

In the garden

Viola cornuta sits within the Violaceae as a perennial originating from the Pyrenees. It remains compact, reaching about 0.2 m, and produces two distinct flowering periods in the UK calendar: April–June and again in September–October. The flowers carry a scent and provide seasonal highlights at those times. Position the plant in full sun where soils can be sandy, loamy or clay so long as they retain moisture without becoming waterlogged; the species favours moist but well-drained conditions. Its UK hardiness rating is H6, which translates to very hardy across most of the country, and it is also suitable for USDA zones 6–11. Keep soil freely draining and avoid heavy, constantly waterlogged sites. At roughly 0.2 m tall it is best used at the front of borders, in gravel pockets or in containers where the spring and autumn flowering can be enjoyed close to paths and seating. Because it reliably flowers in both spring and autumn, expect a clear spring flush from April to June and a separate autumn display from September to October.