Pansies, Violas & Violettas

Book excerpt: Few hardy flowering plants have as much to offer as the pansy, viola or violetta. Easily cultivated and very resistant to pests and diseases, they guarantee flowers from spring until autumn and are in many ways the ideal garden flowers. This guide covers every aspect of the subject of pansies, violas and violettas: the history and development of the garden pansy; the introduction of viola and violetta; techniques of propagation, cultivation and exhibition; and raising new varieties. Together with a substantial descriptive list of named hybrid varieties and details of specialist nurseries, it also includes lists of recommended species and advice on raising plants from seeds.