Viola x wittrockiana

Pansy is a semi-evergreen annual in the violet family (Violaceae) and native to Europe and Asia. It grows 6 to 9 inches in height and 9 to 12 inches in width. This plant is one of the most popular bedding plants for cooler weather and is available in many flower colors, patterns, and sizes with some plants being upright and some having a more trailing habit. 

Pansy prefers full sun to part shade in humus-rich soils that are consistently moist and well-drained. Plant in the fall for winter and early spring blooms. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Deadheading spent flowers will prolong the bloom period. Pansy will eventually succumb to summer heat and should then be removed from the garden.

This plant can bloom for up to 4 to 6 months, making it an excellent plant for bedding, containers and hanging baskets. Use it as a border or in a mass planting along hardscapes or on slopes or banks. It enlivens children’s, edible and winter gardens. Pansy flowers are edible, but be advised that plants purchased from nurseries or garden centers may have been treated with systemic pesticides.

Quick ID Hints

• 4 to 9 inches tall and appear in low-growing rounded mounds.

• Flowers orbicular, 1 to 2 inches across in many colors. 

• Five overlapping petals with a center eyespot or face-like markings.

• Sepals are reflexed or curved back from the flower. 

• Elliptic to lanceolate-shaped leaves with crenate or dentate margins.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Fungal leaf disease, pansy leaf spot and powdery mildew may affect this plant. Slugs, snails and glasshouse red spider mites are common insects. The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Ground Covers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.