Viola x wittrockiana (Pansy) is a biennial or short-lived perennial, often grown as an annual. A most popular bedding plant for cool weather, it boasts large, 2-4 in. across (5-10 cm), rounded, lightly scented flowers with a face pattern. The blossoms come in a wide array of colors, both with and without the characteristic face or blotch. Pansies perform best during the cool days of spring and fall and will grow and flower all winter in mild winter climates (Zones 8-11). They can bloom for up to 4-6 months. Delicate looking, they are tough little plants that tolerate frost. If planted in the fall, they will bloom until the temperatures get too cold and the ground eventually freezes solid, then when the weather warms up in spring, they will persist and bloom again. The exquisite flowers arise from the evergreen foliage of ovate to elliptic medium to dark green leaves. Providing charm and color at a season when few other plants are at their peak, they are great additions to beds, window boxes, and containers.

• Grows up to 6-10 in. tall (15-25 cm) and 10-12 in. across (25-30 cm).
• This plant is best grown in full sun or partial shade in fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils.
• This plant is very versatile and can be used in beds and borders, underplanting shrubs and roses, cottage gardens, city gardens, or containers.
• Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, glasshouse red spider mite, violet gall midge, pansy leaf spot, and powdery mildews. Deer resistant.
• Deadhead spent flowers to promote more blooms. Cut back after flowering.
• Propagate by seed sown in late winter or early spring.