Horned violet is a perennial flower belonging to the family of violets. The plant got its name in view of the fact that behind the flower there is a small process resembling a horn. Although some modern hybrids do not have it at all. Botanists call the violet horned Viola cornuta and therefore, among some flower lovers, the second name "Viola" has become established.
Description of violets
The maximum height of the plant is 25 cm. Petals are slightly elongated. Outwardly resemble small moths or pupae. Each individual plant creates pillow-shaped bushes.
Single violet inflorescences. Inside each flower there is a yellow “eye”. Their sizes are 3-5 cm. The foliage is distinguished by a dark green color. It can be either oval or with serrations at the edges. The colors of the horned viola are diverse, starting with white and ending with burgundy flowers.
Viola is well adapted to the cold, and blooms for a long time, pleasing the eyes of others with her appearance
Common varieties
Horned violet is an ornamental garden plant. She is accustomed to the cold season and is experiencing a great winter in central Russia.
The most common are two types of plants:
- Cornuta;
- Viola x hybrida.
They differ in colors and shades. Flowers can be monochrome and have several shades at the same time. But caring for hybrid plants, you should always remember that they tolerate harsh Russian winters worse. Particular attention should be paid to their shelter, protection from frost and snow.
Briefly about the history of the appearance
There are many legends and stories related to the history of this amazing plant. The Slavs said that once a girl from a poor family fell in love with a rich guy. At first he agreed, and then changed his mind about marrying her. Annie, that was the name of the young lady, cried a lot and died of despair. And on her grave these beautiful flowers grew. From this and the second popular name of violets - "Pansies."
Features of cultivation and care
Perennial horned violet, the cultivation of which takes place in the open field, does not require special care. In every garden there is a place for her.
- Soil selection and preparation
The plant can grow on almost any soil. But abundant flowering occurs on loose, light and drained soils. There is no need for preliminary land preparation.
- Landing temperature
Planting flowers is recommended with the onset of heat. Because young seedlings are afraid of the cold. The optimum temperature is considered to be 23-24 degrees Celsius above zero.
- Lighting
Although Pansies is an unpretentious plant, it will bloom only in light or partially darkened areas of the garden. Moreover, the scorching sun and its direct rays should also be avoided. It will only harm the plant. An ideal option is a spot with a spotted light.
- Watering and humidity
When watering a plant, it is worthwhile to navigate not by the past rain, but by the moisture of the soil. If it has dried to a depth of more than 30 mm, it is recommended to irrigate. Hoses should not be filled with flowers. The ideal option is drip irrigation or the use of a special spray. High pressure can destroy the bushes that you plan to grow.
Important! If you need to water the violet in containers, it is extremely important to prevent overcooling of the plant. For irrigation take water with a temperature of about 30 degrees heat.
- Spraying and feeding
It is recommended to use organic fertilizers during planting, as well as during their active growth. Only light diluted fertilizers in a weak concentration are suitable.
How to prepare seeds before planting
It is recommended to start planting violets with seeds in the early spring or late winter. For breeding, you should buy special containers with drainage holes. The latter serve to eliminate excess soil moisture. Soil can be used purchased universal. Although you can choose a special one for violets.
Seeds can be used for two years. This time they are able to maintain their growth properties.
After the container is filled with soil, its moistening occurs by means of a spray gun. Seed distribution is ensured evenly throughout the container. Before sowing, it is better to grind the seeds with sand in a small amount. This will eliminate the light oily layer. They sprout faster.
Then everything is covered with a small layer of soil or vermiculite. Then the container must be put in a plastic bag and tie tightly. Put in a warm place. After a while, you can see the first sprouts of the viola.
When and how the horned violet blooms
Ornamental plant blooms for a very long time, decorating a garden landscape. The process begins in early spring and lasts until the fall. During this time, the bushes can become large and large, and then slightly dry. It all depends on weather conditions, more precisely on soil moisture.
Types of flowers
Single violet flowers. They are attached to a long and thin leg.
But modern hybrids can resemble real bushes in which flowers make up inflorescences.
It is interesting! The plant is capable of strewing with its flowers two square places of a garden plot in one year.
Flower shapes
Varietal species of horned violets have a distinctive horn behind the flower. Why the plant got its name. While some hybrid forms could lose it after the next crossing. The edges of the inflorescences can be either straight or slightly curved, wavy.
The variety of violets is simply amazing
Flowering period
The flowering period of the horned viola is quite large: from May to September. Moreover, the first spring inflorescences are the most magnificent and beautiful. With the arrival of hot summer days, they become smaller due to lack of moisture in the right amount. By autumn, the flowers begin to acquire a pristine appearance.
Wintering violets
In general, violet horned refers to frost-resistant plants. But this mostly concerns varietal species. They calmly withstand a drop in air temperature to 23 degrees Celsius below zero. It does not even require special shelter.
A completely different conversation about hybrid varieties. In this case, it is best to cover the leaves of the plant with peat or leaf humus. This will protect the bush from low temperatures.
Important! Young seedlings, regardless of the variety that have just been planted this year, it is recommended to mulch, cover with foliage or fir spruce branches.
Possible problems in growing horned violets
Violet - a plant unpretentious and not problematic. But under certain circumstances and improper care, difficulties can arise.
Disease
Sometimes on the whole plant, starting from the stems to the flowers, a spider web and black dots appear. Antifungal agents are recommended.
When spotting attacks and the violet dries, you need to weed the beds and treat them with chemistry. This is a strong misfortune that can remain even on the seeds.
When the base of the stem becomes thin and dark, it is a black leg. You need to use anti-fungal agents.
Pests
The main pest is the caterpillar of the clover scoop and pearly violet. To get rid of them, it is recommended to spray tobacco infusion. As soon as young caterpillars appear, treat the bushes with chlorophosomes.
Two-horned violet is a very beautiful perennial, planted and grown in the garden that any mistress can. No special knowledge and skills are required. A little time and a beautiful garden near your windows.
