Viola Bunny Ears

Small violas with a peculiar and rather charming habit — the two upper petals stand upright and swept back, so each flower looks like it has ears. The colouring runs through black, cream and soft lilac, often two or three of those in the same bloom.

They are best sown in summer for flowers from early the following spring, which is when a pot of violas earns its keep most. Sown in spring instead they will flower the same summer, just less generously.

Happy in sun or partial shade, which makes them useful for the north-facing doorstep where bedding plants sulk. Deadhead every few days and they will keep going for months rather than weeks.