Horn violets: Hardy varieties & Flowering time

Horn violets let the old year end in bloom and ring in the new one as well. But do horned violets need to be protected from frost?

Cornut violets (Viola cornuta) belong to the violet genus (Viola). Horned violets live up to their botanical name with their violet or lilac colored petals. The numerous ornamental varieties offer an even greater range of colors, ranging from yellow to blue to red, white and almost black tones. There are also varieties with color gradients or drawings. But horned violets not only impress with their color spectrum, but also with their long flowering period and durability, which allows them to withstand decent minus temperatures.

Flowering of Horned Violets

Depending on the variety, horned violets bloom from April to October. There are varieties such as 'Molly Sanderson' and 'Alba Mino', which continuously present their flowers. However, most varieties bloom in spring from April to June. With the right care, you can get your plants to bloom a second time. As a basis for an autumn blossom, two things must be fulfilled:

• A he althy plant
• Pruning after flowering

When pruning the plants after spring flowering, the plant is pruned back by about half. This not only promotes flowering in autumn, but also bushy growth. Trimming wilted flowers will also prolong the flowering period.

Horn violets in frost: when and how to protect?

Violets are biennial to short-lived plants. In the Pyrenees, the wild varieties can still be admired at an altitude of 2500 meters. In order to be able to withstand the cold winter winds of their homeland, horned violets must be able to withstand a few sub-zero temperatures. Accordingly, some varieties do not even mind temperatures of down to -15 °C. Most strains tolerate temperatures as low as -5°C with ease. This is made possible by the glycerin in the cells, which protects the plants from freezingprotects. Only the flowering stays out in the icy environment. There are particularly robust varieties such as the 'Ice Babies' series. But even the most robust variety can get through the winter better with a little help and can start the new flowering phase optimally strengthened.

Note: If the horned violets do not survive the winter, this is not always due to a lack of winter hardiness of the plants. Next reasons are:

• Kahlfrost
• permanent wetness
• Decrepitude

Protect horned violets from frost in the bed

In order to get your horned violets planted out in the bed well over the winter, proceed as follows:

• October: Cut back to just above ground
• Cover plants with: fir branches, fleece, brushwood, leaves, moss, bark mulch or spruce branches
• Neither water nor fertilize
• End of February/beginning of March: Removal of winter protection

The protective layer protects the plants from the sub-zero temperatures of winter and allows them to take a relaxing break until the next flowering phase. The cover also protects against drying out in the spring. If the plants sprout too early, the root balls are still frozen and the plants die of thirst (frost).

These products protect your plants from frost:

• Thermal garden fleece: Ideal for protecting your plants from cold and frost in winter. Can be cut individually.
• Jute sack/blanket: Reliable protection against cold and frost made from 100% jute. Decorative natural fabric with a long service life.
• Coir mat: Outstanding heat storage made of natural fibre. Breathable, weather-resistant and durable.

Jute protective fleece made from 100% jute fibers, approx. 105 x 500 cm€11.03 €11.01Details →- 30%

In addition to frost protection, there are a few things to consider when planting and caring for horned violets. You can find out exactly what in our dedicated article.