Viola cornuta 'Lilacina' (Violet) — perennial

Overview

Viola cornuta 'Lilacina' is a perennial in the genus Viola, part of the Violaceae family. It typically grows around 0.2 m tall. Viola cornuta 'Lilacina' 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 'Lilacina' is a low-growing perennial violet that produces pale violet flowers in two periods each year. It reaches around 0.2 m and suits sunny sites. Flowering occurs in April, May, June and again in September and October. It prefers moist but well-drained soils of sandy, loamy or clay types.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Viola cornuta

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

A low-growing perennial, Viola cornuta 'Lilacina' originates from the Pyrenees and northern Spain and is grown for its early- and autumn-flowering displays. Plants remain compact at about 0.2 m and form small clumps suited to the front of a border or to containers. In the UK it is rated H6, meaning very hardy through most winters, and it is also suitable for USDA zones 6–11. Choose a sunny spot and a soil that stays moist but drains freely; the cultivar performs on sandy, loamy or clay surfaces provided water does not sit around the roots. Space plants to allow air movement at crown level and avoid permanently waterlogged hollows. Regular feeding in spring aids the first flush of blooms. Expect flowers in April, May and June, then another period of bloom in September and October. Use Viola cornuta 'Lilacina' at the front of mixed perennial borders, in alpine troughs or in shallow containers where its low height can be shown off. Deadhead the spring flush promptly to help encourage the September–October re-bloom.

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 'Lilacina' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Height: 0.2 m
Native to: Pyrenees, northern Spain

Frequently asked questions

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

Viola cornuta 'Lilacina' prefers full sun.

What soil does Viola cornuta 'Lilacina' need?

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