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 an 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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Pansy is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Pansy after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Pansy with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Pansy seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.