Horned violets: hardy varieties & flowering time

Horny violets bring the old year to a blooming end and ring in the new one again. But do horned violets have to be protected from frost?

Horned violet (Viola cornuta) belong to the genus of violets (viola). With their purple or lavender colored petals, horny violets live up to their botanical name. The numerous ornamental varieties offer an even larger color palette, ranging from yellow to blue to red, white and almost black tones. There are also varieties with gradients or drawings. But horned violets not only convince with their color spectrum, but also with their long flowering time and durability, which allows them to withstand even sub-zero temperatures.

Blooming time of horned violets

Depending on the variety, horny violets bloom from April to October. There are varieties such as 'Molly Sanderson' and 'Alba Mino', which present their flowers throughout. Most varieties, however, bloom in spring from April to June. With proper care, you can get your plants to bloom a second time too. As a basis for an autumn bloom, two things have to be fulfilled:

• A healthy plant
• Cut back after flowering

When pruning the plants after the spring bloom, the plant is cut back roughly in half. This not only promotes flowering in autumn, but also a bushy growth. Cleaning out withered flowers also extends the flowering time.

Horny violets in frost: when and how to protect?

Horned 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 cope with the cold winter winds of their homeland, horned violets have to be able to withstand a few freezing temperatures. Accordingly, some varieties even do not mind temperatures as low as -15 ° C. Most varieties tolerate temperatures of -5 ° C with ease. This is made possible by the gycerin in the cells, which protects the plants from freezing. Only the bloom remains in the icy environment. There are particularly robust varieties such as the 'Ice Babies' series. But even the most robust variety can survive the winter better with a little help and can thus start the new flowering phase optimally strengthened.

Note: If the horned violets do not survive the winter, it is not always due to the plants being not winter hardy. Further reasons are:

• Bald frost
• permanent wetness
• Old age

Protect horned violets from frost in the bed

In order to bring your horned violets planted in the bed well through the winter, proceed as follows:

• October: cut back to just above the 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 plants are protected from the freezing temperatures of winter by the protective layer and can take a relaxing break until the next flowering phase. The cover also protects against drying out in spring. If the plants sprout too early, the root balls are still frozen and the plants will die of thirst (bald frost).

These products protect your plants from frost:

• Thermo garden fleece: Ideal for protecting your plants from cold and frost in winter. Can be cut to size individually.
• Burlap sack / blanket: Reliable protection against cold and frost made of 100% jute. Decorative natural fabric with a long lifespan.
• Coconut mat: Excellent heat storage made from natural fibers. Breathable, weatherproof and durable.

Protect horned violets from frost in pots and tubs

Horny violets in pots or tubs can be overwintered in the garage or basement. If the pots are to remain outside, a sheltered place must be chosen. So that the soil in the pot does not freeze through, the pot is wrapped with fleece or newspaper. As in the bed, the plants are cut back and covered with a protective layer. Fleece is best for potted plants. If your horned violets are covered, they have to be lightly watered even in winter. However, fertilization is unnecessary. Here, too, the winter protection will be removed at the end of February / beginning of March.

In addition to frost protection, there is also a lot with Planting and caring for horned violets to be observed. You can find out what exactly in our relevant article.