Viola cornuta 'Alba' (White Horned Violet) — Perennial

Overview

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

About

Viola cornuta 'Alba' is a low-growing perennial that bears white horned violet flowers. It forms a compact clump to around 0.2 m and favours full sun on moist but well-drained sandy, loamy or clay soils. Native to the Pyrenees and northern Spain, it is rated H6 for UK hardiness (roughly USDA zones 6–11). Flowering occurs in April, May, June, September and October.

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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.

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In the garden

Viola cornuta 'Alba' is a small perennial originating from the Pyrenees and northern Spain, valued for its white, horned flowers. Plants remain compact, reaching about 0.2 m, and produce blooms in spring and again in autumn — specifically in April, May, June, September and October. Give it a sunny spot; it prefers full sun and will tolerate a range of soils provided they are moist but well drained, from sandy to loamy and clay. Its UK hardiness is H6, which means it withstands typical winter conditions in most gardens and corresponds roughly to USDA zones 6–11. Choose a position where the plant is not waterlogged and receives several hours of sunlight each day. Viola cornuta 'Alba' works well at the front of borders, along paths, in gravel or rock gardens and on the edges of containers where its low height lets taller neighbours remain visible. Regularly check soil moisture during dry periods in summer to keep flowering healthy. At around 0.2 m tall, Viola cornuta 'Alba' sits neatly at the margin of mixed plantings or the rim of pots.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Viola

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Viola cornuta 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Height: 0.2 m
Native to: Pyrenees, Northern Spain

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Viola cornuta 'Alba'

Propagation: Seed, Division

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Viola cornuta 'Alba'?

Viola cornuta 'Alba' prefers full sun.

What soil does Viola cornuta 'Alba' need?

Viola cornuta 'Alba' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.