Expert’s choice: violas

Now’s the time to try perennial violas – they’re easy to grow, with a beautiful scent, says Graham Rice

What’s the difference between a viola and a pansy? Anyone? Frankly, it’s not entirely clear. Let’s start with the fact that all pansies are violas, but not all violas are pansies. Any help? Not really.

The problem is that Viola is the botanical name for over 500 different species with flowers – well, we all know what the flowers are like. But viola is also the common name of some of the plants grouped under that scientific name! And pansy is the common name for some, but not all, of the rest.

We gardeners tend to split them all into two groups: those with relatively large, often multicoloured flowers we call pansies, and these are mainly annuals. Those with smaller flowers, often simpler in their colouring, we call violas and these can be annuals or perennials.

Those sparky violas that have been out on garden centre benches since February are annuals, raised from seed every year. But in many ways the most exciting are the perennial violas, featured here and raised from cuttings. They flower from spring to autumn and are often beautifully scented.

This group is underrated and underused, but the plants are easy to grow, neat and prolific. The flowers are held above compact foliage and are available in a host of beautiful colours and combinations. Don’t they sound worth trying?

■ Position All reach 15-25cm in height and make steadily increasing clumps. They are fully hardy and happy in full sun or partial shade.

■ Care These violas like good soil that’s neither dry nor waterlogged, with good drainage. Some set no seed, but it pays to deadhead your plants regularly to keep them looking fresh. All of these violas are delightful picked for small posies. Lift, divide and re-plant every two or three years. Feed with bonemeal or a general fertiliser in spring.

■ Where to buy farmyardnurseries.co.uk, 01559 363 389; tissington-nursery.co.uk, 01335 390 650; victorianviolas.co.uk, 01522 686 343

‘Rebecca’ The scented flowers, held on long stems, are pale cream with slightly frilly edges flecked with violet. H x S 15cm x 20cm

‘Nora’ An unusual bicolour, with rosy purple upper petals, yellow lower petals and a lovely scent. H x S 15cm x 20cm

‘Etain’ One of the best for fragrance with lavender-blue-edged flowers and bright yellow lower petals. H x S 15cm x 20cm

‘Victoria’s Blush’ This vigorous variety has jaunty, rosy lilac flowers and loves a sunny spot. Height x Spread 15cm x 20cm