Hardy and long-lived, violas (not to be confused with their cousin, the annual pansy) are early bloomers, sending up clouds of dainty, fragrant blooms in shades of yellow, apricot, blue, scarlet, white, and violet, from late spring to early summer. Generally more winter hardy than the larger flowered pansy, violas have even been known to bloom all winter in southern parts of the country. Seldom bothered by pests or disease and content in a variety of soils, violas are easy and fun to grow, filling beds, windowsills, and containers with bright color.
