Viola corsica

Viola corsica, as its name suggests, is a wild violet endemic to Corsica. On the Island of Beauty, clinging to the peaks at an altitude of 1200m (3937ft), it forms very flowery cushions in spring and summer, with a bright blue-violet colour. The foliage of this Corsican pansy persists in winter and its large, refined-coloured flowers bloom abundantly for over a month. Adapted to cold as well as very dry summers, it will thrive in a sunny rockery, and of course in a dry or alpine garden where it will easily self-seed. It is also a lovely plant to adorn the base of shrubs or climbing plants grown in pots.

Viola corsica is a small perennial of the Violaceae family. The plant slowly covers the ground with rounded tufts composed of bright green, slightly shiny, dentate-edged leaves. The plant forms small colonies through spontaneous sowing. The foliage is evergreen in winter. The flowering of this wild pansy takes place from May to July depending on the climate, for over a month. It will last longer if the soil remains moist until summer. Tufts of leaves emerge from 18cm (7in) peduncles, each bearing a flower. Each flower is formed of 5 violet-blue coloured petals, four of which are directed upwards and one downwards. The larger lower petal has a beautiful white area veined with dark violet. The flowers of the Viola corsica are slightly scented and edible.

The Corsican violet will thrive almost anywhere as long as it is planted in well-drained soil and not too shaded. It is used to adorn the base of trees and shrubs, in mass borders, along paths or in rockeries where it often self-seeds. For example, associate it with primroses, small spring bulbs, aubrietas, and gold baskets (Alyssum montanum or saxatile). It can also be grown in pots or containers to be placed on the window sill or terrace, with regular watering. 

Violets and pansies belong to the genus Viola. How to differentiate a violet from a pansy? By the arrangement of their petals: the former has two upright petals and three petals facing downwards, while the latter has four upright petals, with the fifth, larger than the others, bending its head. Violets are almost all native to temperate regions of the globe. The majority of them are perennial, but hybrids with large flowers are sold and used as annual plants.