Viola

Sweetly fragrant little shade flowers can handle almost any soil

Violas, also known as pansies or johnny jump-ups, are native wild violets that have been improved upon in a myriad of ways. In addition to a wider variety of colors, violas are available with different bloom times and sizes, as well as improved temperature hardiness. These beauties are so popular, they serve as the state flowers for no less than four states--Illinois, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Rhode Island. All are fragrant, deer resistant and quite easy to grow.