Viola x wittrockiana

Pansies, which are one of the most popular bedding plants for cooler weather, are available in many flower colors, patterns, and sizes with some plants being upright and some with a more trailing habit. They can bloom for up to 4 to 6 months, making them an excellent plant for bedding and containers. Plant in the fall as a biennial for late winter and early spring blooms. They prefer full sun to part shade in humus soils that are consistently moist and well-drained. 

Although they have a delicate appearance, they are tough little plants that can tolerate frost.  Plant in the fall to enjoy blooms until the temperatures drop and frost occurs, at which time they will stop blooming.  However, they will be one of the first to bloom as temperatures warm up in the spring.  Smaller plants will survive the winter better than larger plants.  They will also bloom earlier than others that are transplanted in the spring.  Deadheading spent blooms will prolong the bloom period.

Seasons of Interest: 

Bloom:  Fall, Winter, and Spring        Foliage:  Fall, Winter, and Spring

Quick ID

• Four to nine inches tall and appear in low-growing rounded mounds
• Flowers orbicular, 1-2 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.  Prevention and Treatment.

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