Horned Pansy
Viola cornuta
Also known as
Horned Violet, Baby Faces, Bedding Pansy, Pyrenean Violet, Tufted Pansy, Viola, Pansy
Viola cornuta pineta by Xemenendura (CC BY 3.0)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H5
RHS hardiness
-15°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
10cm | Min | 10cm |
5 years to reach maturity
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has no fragrance


More images of Horned Pansy
Horned Pansy Overview
Viola cornuta is commonly known as the Horned Violet or the Horned Pansy, for the slender spur it produces as part of the flower. This attractive evergreen perennial plant is part of the Violaceae family. It originates from France and Spain. It has a spreading habit and may be used as groundcover or bedding. It produces lance-shaped foliage and attractive violet-purple flowers measuring around 3cm across in mid spring to mid summer. This species has earnt a Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.
Common problems with Horned Pansy
How to harvest Horned Pansy
Seed can be collected in autumn once the seed heads have ripened. Store in paper bags/envelopes in a cool location ready to be used the following year.
How to propagate Horned Pansy
Seed
Between February and March, sow seeds into either trays, modules or pots of good quality seed compost. Maintain the temperature between 15-18°C (60-65°F) and ensure the compost is kept moist. Prick out seedlings - once large enough to handle - into individual 7.5 - 9cm (3 - 3.5in) pots or cell trays. Plant out plugs with the spacing of 15-23cm (6-9in) apart.
Cuttings
In summer take stem cuttings - 5-7.5cm (2-3in) long - from this years non-flowering shoots. Cut just below a leaf joint (node) and remove the lower half of leaves. Insert these stems into pots of compost making sure the remaining leaves do not touch. Cover with plastic to maintain humidity and place in a spot that is warm and has plenty of but not direct light. Once the stems have produced roots, pot on into individual pots.
Division
Divide plants and split roots in spring or autumn, replanting or re-potting straight away.
Special features of Horned Pansy
Attractive flowers
Ground cover
Pot plant
Other uses of Horned Pansy
In addition to being used as bedding plants for pots, containers and summer displays, Viola cornuta makes a lovely permanent addition to rock gardens, along walls and the partial shady areas of garden borders.
Looking good in June - Top 10 flowers
Traditionally flowering in June, these flowers will be at their best this month.