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Patented compact fragrant perennial horned viola
Violaceae
Fragrant perennial violas
Celestial Northern Lights viola
Viola cornuta
Celestial Northern Lights viola is a compact perennial viola with fragrant vibrant purple flowers broadly coloured yellow and orange at the centre. The patented selection ‘SMEV4’ forms a rounded, slightly trailing mound 13 to 15 centimetres tall and 20 to 25 centimetres wide. It begins flowering in early spring and can continue through fall. This fragrant viola prefers fertile, humus-rich, evenly moist and freely draining soil in sun or partial shade. It tolerates heat, light shade and frost, attracts bees and suits edging, moist rock gardens and containers where its warm bicoloured blooms remain easy to appreciate. For best results, keep soil evenly moist, provide effective drainage and remove faded flowers regularly.
- Quantity
- 1-gallon pot
- Exposure
- Sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Hardy perennial
- Hardiness
- Zone 5a to Zone 10b
Discover the plant
Common nameCelestial Northern Lights viola
FamilyViolaceae
GenusViola
Speciescornuta
CultivarSMEV4 — trade name Celestial Northern Lights
TypePatented compact fragrant perennial horned viola
Botanical nameViola cornuta
Celestial Northern Lights Viola (Viola cornuta ‘Northern Lights’) forms a compact mound covered with fragrant vibrant purple flowers. Every bloom has a broad luminous yellow centre brushed with orange and marked by fine dark lines. The breeder confirms this colouring, which matches the Shopify image precisely. The exact phrase celestial northern lights viola identifies the protected selection ‘SMEV4’, patented as PP24,591. Plants reach approximately 13 to 15 centimetres tall and 20 to 25 centimetres wide. Their rounded, slightly trailing habit suits edging, moist rock gardens and containers placed beside a path where the fragrance and warm flower centres can be appreciated closely.
This perennial viola begins flowering in early spring and can continue through fall, with an especially generous display in spring and during cool weather. It prefers sun or partial shade in fertile, humus-rich, evenly moist and freely draining soil. Water when the surface begins to dry, then let excess moisture escape. The breeder recommends medium watering and monthly feeding. Remove faded flowers and shorten stems that stretch beyond the mound. Watch especially for slugs, snails, aphids, powdery mildew and leaf spots. Good spacing and morning watering improve air movement while keeping the roots consistently cool enough to support repeat bloom.
Ball Seed publishes hardiness from USDA Zones 5a to 10b, with a minimum of −20°F, or approximately −29°C. The selection tolerates heat, light shade and frost while attracting bees. Its fragrance is most noticeable beside a patio, entrance or walkway. Combine this fragrant viola with blue grape hyacinths, dwarf daffodils, primroses, silver coral bells or small sedges. Purple, yellow and orange flowers create a warm contrast, while deep green foliage stays low enough to avoid hiding neighbouring plants. The compact mound also fits easily into seasonal containers that can be positioned where its long flowering display is seen every day.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Spacing / density
Space 25 to 30 cm apart
Best planting time
Spring or early fall during cool weather
Propagation
Softwood tip cuttings maintain the patented cultivar faithfully
Growing method
Plant Celestial Northern Lights during cool spring or early-fall weather. Loosen fertile freely draining soil and incorporate compost. Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and keep the crown level with the surrounding ground. Space plants 25 to 30 centimetres apart. Water deeply after planting and add thin mulch without covering the centre of the clump. Maintain even moisture while roots establish. Morning sun or partial shade works well; add light afternoon shade during intense heat. Flowers are self-cleaning, although damaged blooms can be removed and stretched stems lightly shortened. Watch for slugs, snails, aphids and leaf spots. Prevent standing water, especially in winter, and never let the root ball dry completely while the plant is flowering. For best results, keep soil consistently moist, provide effective drainage and offer light shade during hot, dry periods. This perennial pansy flowers for a long season when moisture remains even and damaged blooms are removed as needed. A visible position beside a path makes its fragrance and vibrant purple and yellow-orange colouring easy to enjoy. For best results, keep soil consistently moist, provide effective drainage and offer light shade during hot, dry periods.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Mildly acid to mildly alkaline; approximately 6.0 to 7.5
Care level
Low
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist without saturation. Water deeply when the surface begins to dry, then allow excess to drain. Containers need more frequent checks during hot or windy weather. Prevent standing water in winter and avoid repeatedly wetting foliage late in the day because prolonged leaf moisture can encourage disease. For best results, keep soil consistently moist, provide effective drainage and offer light shade during hot, dry periods.
Soil type
Use fertile humus-rich soil that stays consistently moist yet drains freely. Loam amended with compost is especially suitable. Heavy clay should be improved so water cannot stand around the crown, while sandy soil benefits from additional organic matter to retain moisture. A mildly acid to mildly alkaline pH is acceptable. For best results, keep soil consistently moist, provide effective drainage and offer light shade during hot, dry periods.
Fertilization
Celestial Northern Lights performs best with regular but light feeding. The breeder recommends fertilizer approximately once a month during active growth. Use a balanced product at a low rate or a slow-release formula according to label directions. Excess nitrogen encourages long stems and abundant foliage at the expense of flowers. Water after application and keep fertilizer away from direct contact with the crown. Container plants may need closer observation because regular watering gradually removes nutrients from the potting mix.
Moisture
Average humidity; prefers moist soil and good air movement
Seasonal care
In spring, remove damaged leaves, replace soil around roots lifted by frost and add a thin compost layer. During flowering, keep soil moist; blooms are self-cleaning, although damaged flowers can be removed. After a major flush, shorten stems extending beyond the clump to preserve a dense dome. In summer, provide light afternoon shade and watch for slugs, aphids and foliar disease. In fall, water when soil is dry, then add thin mulch after the ground cools. Never cover the crown and prevent standing water during winter thaws. For best results, keep soil consistently moist, provide effective drainage and offer light shade during hot, dry periods. This perennial pansy flowers for a long season when moisture remains even and damaged blooms are removed as needed. A visible position beside a path makes its fragrance and vibrant purple and yellow-orange colouring easy to enjoy. For best results, keep soil consistently moist, provide effective drainage and offer light shade during hot, dry periods. This perennial pansy flowers for a long season when moisture remains even and damaged blooms are removed as needed. A visible position beside a path makes its fragrance and vibrant purple and yellow-orange colouring easy to enjoy. For best results, keep soil consistently moist, provide effective drainage and offer light shade during hot, dry periods. This perennial pansy flowers for a long season when moisture remains even and damaged blooms are removed as needed.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Freely draining pot at least 13 to 15 cm across
Celestial Northern Lights performs very well in pots and window boxes because of its compact habit and fragrant flowers. Choose a container at least 20 to 25 centimetres across with several drainage holes. Fill it with quality container mix amended with compost and keep the crown level with the surface. Position the pot in morning sun or partial shade beside a path where fragrance can be enjoyed. Water until excess drains whenever the surface begins to dry. Moderate diluted fertilizer is sufficient during active growth; avoid excess nitrogen. Remove damaged flowers and lightly shorten stems extending beyond the clump. For a Quebec winter, group and insulate pots or move them to a cold location protected from wind. Keep the root ball slightly moist without saturation because an unprotected container freezes more deeply than open ground. For best results, keep soil consistently moist, provide effective drainage and offer light shade during hot, dry periods. This perennial pansy flowers for a long season when moisture remains even and damaged blooms are removed as needed. A visible position beside a path makes its fragrance and vibrant purple and yellow-orange colouring easy to enjoy. outdoors.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
8 inches (20.5 cm)
Width / spread
14 inches (35.5 cm)
Flower color
Vibrant purple with a broad yellow-orange centre
Foliage color
Deep green
Foliage type
Evergreen
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Compact, rounded and slightly trailing
Fragrance
Highly fragrant flowers
Bloom period
Celestial Northern Lights carries abundant fragrant vibrant purple flowers with a broad yellow centre brushed in orange. Bloom begins in early spring and can continue through fall, with the strongest flushes during cool weather. Even moisture, light monthly feeding, removal of faded blooms and trimming of stretched stems support renewed bud production. Heat tolerance helps the plant bridge warmer periods before flowering becomes heavier again as temperatures moderate.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Combine Celestial Northern Lights with blue grape hyacinths, dwarf daffodils, yellow primroses, forget-me-nots, silver coral bells, small ferns and compact sedges. These plants highlight the purple, yellow and orange blooms and also appreciate moist soil or partial shade. Keep highly vigorous companions away so they cannot cover the small mound. Spacing plants 25 to 30 centimetres apart improves air movement and lets the cushion spread naturally throughout its long flowering season. For best results, keep soil evenly moist, provide effective drainage and remove faded flowers regularly.
Plants to avoid
Avoid highly invasive ground covers, tall plants creating dense shade and companions adapted to constantly dry soil.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
Will Celestial Northern Lights return after winter?
Yes. Ball Seed confirms Celestial Northern Lights as a perennial for USDA Zones 5a to 10b, with a published minimum of −20°F, or approximately −29°C. Quebec winter survival also depends on drainage, snow cover and freeze-thaw cycles. Choose a sheltered site where water cannot stand. After soil cools, apply light mulch without covering the centre of the clump. An exposed container freezes more deeply than open ground, so group and insulate pots or move them to a cold protected location. Appropriate care cannot guarantee survival after every unusually severe or snowless winter. For best results, keep soil evenly moist, provide effective drainage and remove faded flowers regularly.
What light is best for this perennial pansy?
In Quebec, morning sun, filtered sun or partial shade generally gives good results. The Celestial Northern Lights selection handles heat better than many pansies, but light shade during hot, dry periods helps flowers keep their quality. Full sun is possible in a cool site where soil remains moist. Avoid a wall that stores intense heat when regular watering is not available. Watch the plant: flowers fading rapidly, wilted foliage or interrupted bloom indicate that additional protection from heat would be useful. Too much dense shade can reduce flowering, so aim for bright conditions rather than a dark enclosed position. For best results, keep soil consistently moist, provide effective drainage and offer light shade during hot, dry periods.
Can Celestial Northern Lights grow in a pot?
Yes. Its compact habit suits pots, window boxes and baskets very well. Select a container at least 20 to 25 centimetres across with several drainage holes. Use container mix amended with compost and keep the crown level with the surface. Water until excess drains whenever the upper layer begins to dry. A position beside a path makes the fragrance easy to enjoy, while light afternoon shade protects flowers during heat waves. For a Quebec winter, protect the root ball from deep freezing and prevent the container from remaining filled with water. An unprotected pot is less reliable than the same cultivar planted in well-drained ground.
How can its flowering season be extended?
Keep soil consistently moist without saturation and protect the plant from scorching afternoon sun. Flowers are described as self-cleaning, although damaged blooms can be removed to maintain a neat appearance. If selected stems stretch after the first flush, shorten them lightly with clean scissors. A small amount of compost or balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring is generally sufficient. Avoid nitrogen-rich feeding that promotes foliage instead of buds. A pause during intense heat is normal, and bloom may resume when temperatures decline. Good drainage and regular moisture are more useful than frequent heavy fertilizer. For best results, keep soil consistently moist, provide effective drainage and offer light shade during hot, dry periods.
Is Celestial Northern Lights pansy suitable for a garden visited by pets?
Garden pansies are generally considered non-toxic to dogs and cats, making Celestial Northern Lights a suitable choice for an outdoor space visited by pets. Eating a large amount of plant material can still cause digestive discomfort even when a plant is non-toxic, so pets should not be encouraged to graze on flowers or foliage. Keep fertilizer, slug pellets and other garden treatments out of their reach as well. If an animal eats a substantial amount or develops unusual symptoms, contact a veterinarian and provide the name Viola cornuta ‘Celestial Northern Lights’. Individual sensitivities can vary, and professional advice is always appropriate when symptoms appear.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Fragrant flowers can attract butterflies, bees and other small pollinators from spring through fall. Place several plants beside other seasonal flowers to provide a succession of resources. Avoid insecticides on open blooms and accept minor damage when supporting beneficial garden wildlife. Hummingbirds and seed-eating birds are not primary visitors.
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