Horned violet

This small undemanding perennial resembles bedding violas, although the flowers are slightly smaller and with narrower petals which gives it a slightly wild look. It is lovely for growing in groups of three or five among other small plants towards the front of a border and beautiful as a carpet below roses or mixed shrubs. Plants self-seed and will hybridise with other violas nearby to produce mongrels. Named varieties only come true to type if raised from cuttings or divisions. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it their prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Looks good with:

Geranium sanguineum 'Album'
Astrantia major 'Roma'