Viola cornuta Brush Strokes | Horned Pansy | Historic Striped Violas

Viola cornuta ‘Brush Strokes’ | Horned Pansy | Historic Striped Violas

Viola cornuta ‘Brush Strokes’ is a remarkable blend of antique pansies, each bloom appearing as though painted by hand. This exquisite mix features striped and multicoloured flowers in shades of plum, honey, apricot, cream, and soft lavender, with each petal delicately overlaid by watercolor-like veining. As the blooms age, they develop a charming bluish hue, giving them a nostalgic, sepia-toned beauty reminiscent of heirloom garden varieties.

Selected from a collection of historic horned pansies, ‘Brush Strokes’ revives the unique, streaked and speckled charm of old-fashioned violas. Plants are taller and more free-flowering than modern compact types, reaching 25–40 cm (10–16 in) in height. Their elegant stems make them suitable not only for garden borders and containers but also for small cut flower arrangements.

Sweetly fragrant and long-blooming, this short-lived perennial (often grown as an annual) flowers from early spring to late autumn. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, preferring moist, well-drained soil. Beyond its ornamental appeal, the edible blooms make delightful garnishes for cakes, salads, and summer drinks — a perfect blend of beauty and versatility.

Plant Details

• Botanical name: Viola cornuta ‘Brush Strokes’
• Common names: Horned Pansy, Horned Violet, Antique Pansy
• Family: Violaceae
• Plant type: Hardy perennial (often grown as annual)
• Height: 25–40 cm (10–16 in)
• Spread: 22–30 cm (9–12 in)
• Position: Full sun to partial shade
• Flower color: Apricot, plum, honey, cream, lavender with fine veining
• Flowering period: March–October
• Fragrance: Sweet and light
• Special uses: Cut flower, edible flower, bedding, pots, borders, landscaping

Sowing & Germination

• Best sowing time: December–July (for blooms in spring or autumn)
• Temperature: 15–20 °C for best germination
• Germination time: 7–14 days in the dark
• Light: Not required for germination
• Sowing depth: Cover lightly with vermiculite or fine compost
• Transplanting: Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle and harden off before planting outdoors
• Spacing: 10–15 cm apart for long-stemmed plants suitable for cutting

Growing Tips

• Keep soil moist but well-drained
• Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous flowering
• Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during growth
• Protect from waterlogging in winter; hardy down to −15 °

Why Grow Viola ‘Brush Strokes’?

• Unique hand-painted look – no two blooms alike
• Fragrant, long-lasting flowers for cutting and decoration
• Attracts pollinators – bees and butterflies love it
• Edible petals for elegant culinary use
• Perfect for cottage gardens, borders, pots, and patio planters