Perennial Pansies

In warmer climates, perennial pansies can be grown year long. These delicate flowers are actually quite hardy and freeze resistant. When grown during the winter in warmer climates, they will bloom from fall planting until warmer weather surface in spring. In colder climates, they are typically grown as annuals but I have had a rare occasion when a few hardy pansies survive a long cold and snowy winter here in NH and appeared again in spring.

The trouble with perennial pansies is that they really only do well the first year. They bloom best from early spring to mid summer and can really wilt in the hot weather. They can be propagated through seeds or cuttings, grow in ones 1 - 11 and can survive in full sun or partial shade. They are low growing plants of about 8" tall and make wonderful flowers for window boxes.

Perennial pansies come in many color combinations, purple and yellow, purple and white, red and yellow, shades of blue - the list goes on and on. Chances are that you can find a pansy to go with any color scheme you have in your garden.

Pansies are easy to grow from seed, but most people buy already started plants. Since these are cold loving perennials, plant them in the spring. A place that will have partially shade during a hot summer is good - even better if there will be full sun in spring. Plant them in a rich soil and fertilize using fertilizer made for flowering plants.