Viola

This charming species bears violet-blue flowers with white centers in spring. Leaves are rounded and relatively small. Spreads by runners to form a dense mat. Has not produced seedlings in our plantings. Could be used as a ground cover for small areas.

A neat, attractive species with upright, leafy stems. The fragrant flowers, which are white with lower petals marked with fine, dark lines, appear over a long period in spring. In the years it has been in our gardens, it has produced occasional seedlings, but has by no means been invasive.

A distinctive species with purple foliage on trailing stems. The deep violet flowers appear in summer. Reseeds somewhat, but not excessively.

The fragrant flowers, which appear in spring, are white with the lower petal purple-veined. Individual plants are small and delicate, but spread (slowly) by runners to form a dense mat. In our plantings it has been well-mannered, seldom producing seedlings.

This lovely and distinctive violet is aptly named for its deeply cut, leathery, evergreen leaves. The showy, violet-blue flowers, which appear in June, are up to 1.5" across-unusually large relative to the size of the plant. Bird's foot violet typically grows in dry, sandy meadows and clearings, and is quite tolerant of dry sandy soil. Under cultivation, it will also prosper in more fertile soil, but does require a well drained, well aerated soil and prefers plenty of sun.

A tiny violet with dark green leaves conspicuously variegated with silver. Bears small purple flowers. Reseeds freely, but due to the plants' small size this is not likely to be a problem in most situations.