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 brevistipulata var. hidakana has shoots of shiny dark green leaves, purple flushed beneath, which emerge from the ground in spring. These are followed by abundant bright yellow violet shaped flowers. This variety comes from Hokkaido in Japan, and will form a tufted clump over time.