The type genus for the family Violaceae, Viola includes some 500 species of annuals, perennials, and subshrubs found in the world's temperate zones, ranging from the subarctic to the mountains of New Zealand. The majority are small clump-forming plants with lobed, kidney-shaped, or heart-shaped leaves. All violas have similarly shaped 5-petalled flowers, with the lower petal often carrying dark markings. White, yellow, and purple predominate but the flowers occur in every color, at least among the garden forms-often referred to as violets or pansies. The genus was named for a lover of the god Zeus, and Viola tricolor was used as a symbol of Athens. V. palmata is the floral emblem of Rhode Island, while both New Jersey and Wisconsin have adopted V.Soroia as their state flower.
These plants are mostly very hardy and easily grown in sun or shade. The woodland species prefer humus-rich soil, while the rockery types require something grittier, but most are fine in any moist well-drained soil. Propagate by division, or from seed or basal cuttings.
Top Tip
Plant garden pansies, vviolas, and violettas in window boxes, containers, and borders, or beneath taller shrubs for splash of bold color.
CULTIVATION
These plants are mostly very hardy and easily grown in sun or shade. The woodland species prefer humus-rich soil, while the rockery types require something grittier, but most are fine in any moist well-drained soil. Propagate by division, or from seed or basal cuttings.
Top Tip
Plant garden pansies, vviolas, and violettas in window boxes, containers, and borders, or beneath taller shrubs for splash of bold color.
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