When it comes to annuals, pansies (Viola ×wittrockiana) are about as ubiquitous as petunias and impatiens, and for a good reason. Their variety and versatility make them a welcome addition to borders, patio containers, hanging baskets, window boxes, and flower beds.
Flowers & Habit | Types | Growing | Potential Problems | More Information
Flowers & Habit
Flowers are irregularly symmetrical with five rounded petals. They range in size from 3/4 to 4 inches across. Pansies are available in every color of the rainbow. They offer some of the best shades of blue found in annual flowers. Most have color combinations of 2 or 3 different colors or various shades of the same color. Many people are attracted to the faces (blotches) common with many varieties. Non-blotched forms are also available and tend to stand out more in the landscape.
Plants typically range from 4 to 10 inches in height with a similar spread. They have a round, mounded habit and can occasionally trail enough to spill politely over the edge or a container or basket.
Types
The hybrid pansy is one of the most recognizable annuals in the garden center. They are known for their large, brightly-colored flowers. In general, the only difference between a pansy and a viola (or violet) is the flower size. Pansies have larger flowers and violas have smaller, but what violas lack in flower size, they make up in flower quantity!
Several species of Viola have been selected and bred to create the hundreds of pansy and viola cultivars available in garden centers today. Some of the species that we see in gardens include Johnny jump-ups (Viola tricolor) and sweet or English violet (Viola odorata). The native common or blue violet (Viola sororia) is a familiar "guest" in lawns. All of these species can persist from year to year in the garden by reseeding or overwintering under the snow.
Growing
Pansies are cool-season annuals. They love our cool spring and fall weather and tolerate light freezes very well. This makes them great candidates for planting in containers or beds to provide much-needed color in the garden early and late in the growing season. Grow in full to part sun (part sun if temperatures are warm) and moist, well-drained soils. Keep the plants well watered, especially during dry weather. A light fertilization is beneficial, especially when growing in containers. Apply water-soluble fertilizers every 1 to 3 weeks. Granular and slow-release fertilizers can be added to the soil surface or lightly incorporated before planting.
Spring and Fall Planting
Plant them outdoors in early to mid-April for spring color. They can be replaced with summer annuals in May. For fall color, plant in early September and they will provide color until it snows (well into late October or early November). Most violas suffer in Iowa's hot summers and can "melt" away in the heat. If they can be coaxed along through July and August, they will perk back up again for a fall display. Often it is just easier to replant than to try and keep them in the garden all season.
Propagation
Pansies are best started from seed. Sow them 8-10 weeks before planting outdoors. Pansies prefer cool conditions (55 to 65°F) and can become lanky with warm temperatures or inadequate light. Perennial types can be carefully divided in spring. Johnny jump-ups readily reseed throughout the garden, often popping up in crevices and corners throughout your garden. This can be a charming addition to the garden, but seedlings can easily be identified and pulled when young if not desired.
Potential Problems
Pansies are relatively trouble-free. Occasionally you will see issues with root rot, anthracnose, or slugs. The only issue consistently met by gardeners is their intolerance of hot weather. While modern cultivars perform better in the heat than older varieties, it's still best to remove plants in early summer and replant in early fall to avoid this issue.
More Information
- Growing Cool-Season Annuals
- All About Container Gardening
- Annuals (PDF)
- Selecting, Hardening, and Planting Bedding Plants
- Spring Garden Tasks
- Fall Garden Tasks
Photo credits: 1: Cindy Haynes; 2: Cindy Haynes; 3: Aaron Steil; 4: Cindy Haynes