Viola
Pansy
- Height × spread
- 0.08m – 0.4m × 0.08m – 0.3m
- Position
- All conditions
Availability
Generally available in late Spring, Summer & early Autumn
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Close to our hearts, this plucky little plant family includes pansies with their charming multi-coloured faces full of character and joy. The violas and violets are more delicate, often in shades of blue, some scented. Superbly versatile, growing 10cm-20cm tall, their bright blooms are ideal for hanging baskets, pots and window boxes. They flower in spring or winter and attract pollinators.
- Flower colour
- Black, Blue, Brown, Cream, Grey, Lavender, Lilac, Mauve, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Rose, Silver, Violet, White, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green, Purple, Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Bell, Cube, Dome, Horizontal
- Height
- 0.08m – 0.4m
- Spread
- 0.08m – 0.3m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Small scale garden, Shady court, Scented garden, Rock garden, Prairie garden, Mediterranean garden, Herb garden, Gravel garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil, Dry and shady soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Bedding plant, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction, Butterfly attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water some varieties differently
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for watering guidance.
Planting
Prune after flowering
When the plant has finished flowering, cut the trailing stems back by half their length or more to retain a compact and appealing habit.
Planting
Deadhead blooms during flowering season
Remove flowers as they turn brown and fade. Snip the stem just below the bloom. This will keep the plant tidy and encourage more flowers.
The removal of spent flowers encourages the plant to produce fresh ones, rather than spend its energy on the development of seeds.
Planting
Divide some varieties differently
Some plant varieties within this genus have different requirements for dividing them when they get big. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for guidance, and/or check the label.
Compost · Planting
Multi-purpose compost
Use a good quality peat-free multi-purpose compost when growing in pots and containers.
Found in
More Viola
Viola 'Angel Red'
Pansy
Viola 'Antique Shades Mixed'
Pansy
Viola 'Ardross Gem'
Pansy
Viola 'Beaconsfield'
Panola Violet
Viola 'Belmont Blue'
Pansy
Viola 'Cat's Whiskers'
Pansy
Viola 'Columbine'
Viola
Viola 'Copperfield'
Pansy