Alphabetical Plant Listing

Viola bicolor (Field Pansy)

Field Pansy, Wild Pansy, American Field Pansy, Johnny Jump Up, Johnny Jump-Up, Johnny Jump-up Violet, Viola kitaibeliana, Viola kitaibeliana var. rafinesquei, Viola rafinesquei


Native to North America, Viola bicolor (Field Pansy) is a low-growing annual boasting small, deep violet to pale lavender flowers in early to mid-spring. Each blossom features 5 dark veined petals, with the lateral petals bearded and the lower one displaying a yellow patch at its base. The petals are usually pale blue, however, they can also be white with a subtle blue tint. This viola is noted for the length of its sepals, which are shorter than the petals. Other varieties of viola have sepals that are longer than the petals. This is also the only annual in the Violet species that produces self-pollinating flowers (cleistogamous). The flowers are solitary, rising on long naked stalks. Although considered weedy, Field Pansy attracts wildlife and is an early spring nectar source for bees, and caterpillars of fritillary butterflies will feed on the foliage. The seeds are eaten in limited amounts by the Ruffed Grouse, Bobwhite, Wild Turkey, Mourning Dove, and some songbirds. Colony-forming, Field Pansy is well-suited to prairies and meadows, banks, or wild gardens where it can spread by self-seeding and creeping roots.

  • Growing up to 2-6 in. tall (5-15 cm), this Violet will spread by self-seeding and creeping roots.
  • A full sun to part shade lover, it is best grown in average, moist, well-drained soils. Prefers full sun in moist sandy soil.
  • This plant is very versatile and can be used on banks and slopes, cottage gardens, rock gardens, and woodland gardens.
  • Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, violet gall midge, powdery mildew, and pansy leaf spots.
  • Propagate by seed.
  • Native to North America.

Violets (Viola): How to Grow and Care with Success

Want to learn how to grow and care for Violets like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these charming plantsRead More

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Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 10
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Viola - Violets
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid)
Height 2" – 6" (5cm – 15cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Northeast, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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By Sari ONeal, shutterstock, Sonia Hill, Judy Gallagher, Fritz Flohr Reynolds, Flickr

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 10
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Viola - Violets
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid)
Height 2" – 6" (5cm – 15cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Northeast, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Guides with Viola - Violets

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