The cheerful face of the cool-season garden, flowering through autumn, winter and spring in every colour. The edible flowers are lovely scattered over salads and cakes.
At a glance
- Plant type: Annual
- Mature size: 20 cm H × 20 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Pansy
Viola wittrockiana is a fast-growing annual in the Violaceae family. It reaches around 20 cm tall and 20 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Purple, yellow, white, blue, orange and red flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Pansy
Pansy suits cool-temperate, warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Pansy provided drainage is reasonable. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Pansy does best with regular, moderate watering. Feed as new growth begins, following the rate on a balanced garden fertiliser. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune Pansy after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. For most gardens, maintenance is low maintenance.
Using Pansy in the garden
Pansy earns its place for pots and courtyard containers, edible harvests, a feature or specimen planting and hanging baskets. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Pansy sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered through the garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Pansy
Plant Sale lists Pansy as seedlings and seed. Availability is confirmed when you request a quote; use the panel above to register interest.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Pansy seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
