Viola is a genus with an unusually wide distribution, through most of both northern and southern hemispheres. They include some widespread and easily grown British natives, and South American rosette-forming species that are almost impossible to cultivate. Sadly, we don't have that last group, but our list includes some that are rarely offered for sale in Britain. All have the characteristics viola or pansy flowers.

Viola sororia 'Freckles' has lovely white flowers speckled with little blue dots as if they'd been splashed with a paint brush!