Hybrid bedding pansy with larger flowers than Viola tricolor in almost every colour combination, with the characteristic face markings. The mainstay of cool-season bedding worldwide.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 4–8 | −34.4 °C to −6.7 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| RHS hardiness rating | H7 | down to −20 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 4–8 | −29 °C to −1 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 1–6 | −15 °C to 15 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
As a tender annual, Garden pansy doesn't overwinter — the zone range shows where the growing season supports it. See the RHS rating for its actual cold tolerance.
About Garden pansy
Garden pansies are hybrids developed in the nineteenth century from wild violas, and the breeding that produced their distinctive face markings happened remarkably quickly once gardeners took an interest. The name derives from the French pensée, a thought, from the flower's nodding head. They are cool-season plants, at their best in autumn, winter and spring in mild climates and fading badly in real summer heat, which is the opposite of what many people expect from a bedding plant. The flowers are edible and are commonly used to decorate food.
Growing notes
- Plant as autumn-into-spring bedding in cool temperate climates and as winter bedding in warm-temperate / Mediterranean climates
- Edible flowers — petals are mildly sweet and used as salad garnish, candied for cake decoration, and frozen into ice cubes
- Long blooming and cold tolerant — flowers continue through light frost
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Garden pansy against your zones