Information About Pansy Flowers

Pansy flowers originated in early 19th-century England.

Pansy flowers (Viola x wittrockiana), members of the Violaceae plant family, are hybrids that originated in early 19th-century England. Europeans cultivated these delicate, wild blossoms for their gardens. Horticulturalists modified pansies to grow in white and black, a rainbow of hues including violet, red, orange, yellow, gold, bronze, blue and pink, and even mixed colors. Dark blotches in the center of a pansy flower form what is sometimes referred to as a face.

Growth

Blooming time for pansies peaks in spring.

Pansies relish full sun and grow best in well-drained, rich organic loam. These hardy, fast-growing biennials -- typically grown as annuals -- add splashy color to drab winter landscapes and can endure brief periods of freezing temperatures and snow cover. Blooming time peaks in spring; colors fade with the onset of hot weather. Pansies bloom singly with two petals on top, two side petals and one on the bottom, bursting open atop nodding stems. Each round, sweetly scented flower grows from 1 to 4 inches in size on spreading plants that can reach up to 9 inches high and 12 inches wide.

Varieties

Most pansy cultivars belong to a series with shared characteristics, such as form, color pattern and hardiness. The popular Imperial series boasts resilient blossoms that retain their colors, and Majestic Giant and Maxim withstand both hot and cold temperatures. Also cold- and heat-tolerant are the Universal hybrids, early bloomers that burst open in profusion. Extra large blossoms grow on the Medallion series, and diminutive pansy flowers are produced on the Crystal Bowl varieties.

Diseases

Anthracnose disease causes spotting on leaves and flower petals as well as abnormal blossom development, and may eventually destroy the plant. A black discoloration traveling up from the root tips indicates the presence of Black Root Rot, which causes shriveled leaves and yellowing of the pansy plant. Removing affected plants and spraying fungicides can combat further spread of these diseases. Gray Mold, also known as Botrytis Blight, eventually leads to decay; flowers and stems covered in a fuzzy, gray coating may be a sign of this affliction. Removal of older blossoms, prevention of excess moisture on plant surfaces, avoiding overcrowding of the pansies and applying fungicides can curb further development of this disease.

Insect Damage

Aphids and spider mites plague pansies, sucking sap from the plants. Aphids feed on new stems and foliage and then expel a sticky substance that causes fungal growth. Planting Queen Anne's lace (Daucus carota) to attract ladybugs and lacewings, natural predators of aphids, may curb reproduction of these troublesome insects. Spider mites attack and destroy leaves. Spraying insecticidal soap can inhibit aphid and spider mite infestations.

Pests

Snails ooze slimy mucus on pansy blossoms.

Night-feeding slugs and snails ooze slimy mucus on pansy leaves and blossoms, leaving gaping holes in their wake. Reducing moisture near the plants by removing leaf litter and mulch hinders survival of these pests. Scratchy diatomaceous earth applied around pansy plants harms the skin of slugs and snails, leading to dehydration and the eventual demise of the pesky critters.

References

• West Virginia University Extension Service; Pansies; Clifford W. Collier Jr., et al.
• Clemson Cooperative Extension; Pansy Diseases & Insect Pests; Nancy Doubrava, et al.; December 2006
• Mississippi State University; Pansies Provide Winter Color; Gary R. Bachman; November 2010
• Clemson Cooperative Extension; Pansies & Johnny-Jump-Ups; Karen Russ, et al.; March 1999
• Colorado State University Extension; Perky Pansies for the Garden; Margaret Wolf; August 2009