Genus guide
Viola — 23 species
Part of the Violets & pansies family (Violaceae)
Violas are cool-season flowering plants that include pansies (Viola x wittrockiana), the horned violet (V. cornuta), sweet violet (V. odorata), and wild pansy (V. tricolor). They perform best in full sun to partial shade and prefer consistently moist, fertile, well-drained soil — avoid letting them dry out completely. Regular deadheading prolongs the display of their cheerful, often face-marked flowers. All Viola species are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, making them a genuinely pet-friendly choice for borders, containers, and cottage gardens.
All Viola species we cover
- Canada Violet
- Common blue violet
- Common Dog Violet
- Delta Pure White pansy
- Downy Yellow Violet
- Hairy Violet
- Horned violet
- Johnny Jump Up
- Labrador violet
- Long-Spurred Violet
- Majestic Giants Pansy
- Mountain Pansy
- Pansy
- Penny Yellow Viola
- Prairie Violet
- Sorbet XP Mix Viola
- Sweet violet
- Sweet White Violet
- Viola 'Sorbet Raspberry'
- Viola × wittrockiana 'Delta Pure Yellow'
- Viola cornuta 'Etain'
- Wild pansy
- Yellow Woodland Violet
Viola — frequently asked questions
Are Viola plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Viola are pet-safe. Of the 23 Viola species we cover, 17 are non-toxic on the ASPCA list and 6 carry a toxic or mildly-toxic rating. Even so, confirm the individual species before trusting it around pets.
How much light do Viola plants need?
Most Viola do best in medium indirect light. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Viola easy to care for?
Many Viola are beginner-friendly — they tolerate lower light and forgiving watering. Water to how fast the pot actually dries rather than a fixed calendar and most will thrive.
How many Viola varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 23 Viola species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Viola, the rest follow closely.
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