Viola cornuta ‘Ice Babies’ – Winter-Defying Colour in Every Garden

The Viola cornuta ‘Ice Babies’ is a charming and resilient variety of horned violet, loved for its delicate yet long-lasting flowers that bring colour and cheer to gardens even in the coldest months. With dainty blooms in shades of icy blue, lilac, soft white, and pale yellow, these hardy little plants provide an extended flowering season from autumn right through to spring.

Compact, vibrant, and incredibly tough, ‘Ice Babies’ are ideal for brightening up borders, containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets. Their ability to withstand low temperatures and keep blooming through frost makes them one of the most reliable plants for cool-season displays. Whether you’re looking to refresh tired beds or add a splash of winter colour, these violas deliver beauty and reliability all year round.

General Information

Viola cornuta, commonly known as the horned violet, is a close relative of the pansy but with smaller, more delicate flowers and a longer flowering period. The ‘Ice Babies’ range combines this natural hardiness with a soft, elegant colour palette that complements all garden styles.

• Habit: Compact, mounding, and slightly trailing perennial (often grown as an annual).

• Height & spread: Typically 15–20cm tall and 20–30cm wide.

• Foliage: Bright green, oval leaves that form a neat clump of fresh greenery.

• Flowers: Small, dainty blooms in cool tones of blue, lilac, cream, and soft yellow.

• Flowering season: Autumn to spring, often flowering through frost and light snow.

• Position: Prefers full sun to partial shade.

• Soil: Moist, fertile, and well-drained; thrives in loamy or compost-rich soils.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland.

• Uses: Ideal for borders, window boxes, pots, hanging baskets, and edging pathways.

The cheerful blooms of ‘Ice Babies’ are perfect for softening the garden during winter, adding gentle colour when little else is flowering.

Care Guide

Viola cornuta ‘Ice Babies’ are easy to grow and require minimal care to stay looking their best through the seasons.

Planting

• When to plant: Best planted in early autumn or spring for long-lasting colour.

• Depth & spacing: Plant 10–15cm apart and at the same depth as in the pot.

• Containers: Use fresh, good-quality compost and ensure pots have proper drainage holes.

• Companions: Combine with primroses, cyclamen, or heathers for a full winter display.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly after planting to help establish roots.

• Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.

• In containers, water when the top of the compost feels dry.

• Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser to encourage continual flowering.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Deadhead faded blooms regularly to promote new flowers and prolong the display.

• Trim back leggy stems if plants become straggly, encouraging fresh growth.

• In mild climates, plants may survive multiple seasons; otherwise, replace annually for best results.

• Mulch lightly around plants in autumn to retain soil moisture and protect roots from frost.

Protection

• Hardy in cold weather, but avoid sitting plants in waterlogged soil over winter.

• Shelter container displays from harsh winds or heavy snow if possible.

• Generally pest-free, though slugs may occasionally nibble leaves in damp conditions.

Why Choose Viola cornuta ‘Ice Babies’?

This charming variety offers unbeatable resilience and delicate beauty all season long.

• All-season colour: Flowers from autumn through spring, even during frosts.

• Compact habit: Perfect for small gardens, window boxes, and pots.

• Low-maintenance: Easy to grow, hardy, and long-flowering.

• Versatile planting: Looks beautiful in containers, borders, and hanging baskets.

• Pollinator-friendly: Early blooms attract bees and beneficial insects.

The Viola cornuta ‘Ice Babies’ is a true garden gem — a tough yet dainty plant that keeps gardens colourful even through winter’s chill. With its soft pastel shades, reliable flowering, and minimal care needs, it’s a perfect choice for gardeners seeking effortless, year-round beauty.

• Size
  P11

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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