A Comprehensive Guide to 19 of the Best Pansy Varieties

Pansies, with their vibrant colors and cheerful blooms, are a delightful addition to any garden. From the Cool Wave series to the Plentifall series, there is a wide variety of pansy cultivars to choose from. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 19 of the best pansy varieties available to the home gardener.

Understanding Pansies

Pansies, scientifically known as Viola × wittrockiana, are hybrids that offer a vast array of colors, including bi- and tricolor options. They are distinct from other members of the Violaceae family, such as violas and violets. These flowers bloom at unusual times, providing a burst of color in late fall and winter.

You can start pansies from seed or purchase them as bedding plants for convenience. They are relatively easy to grow, making them a popular choice for gardeners.

Key Characteristics of Pansies

• Compact, cool-weather ornamental plants
• Available in a variety of colors and patterns
• Bloom size ranges from one to four inches
• Cultivars are often grouped into series based on color and growing habits

19 Best Pansy Varieties

1. Blue Skies
2. Cool Wave series
3. Trailing growth habit
4. Ideal for hanging baskets and ground cover

5. Winter hardy in Zone 5

6. Frizzle Sizzle Mix

7. PanAmerican Seed Company
8. Compact plants with ruffled petals

9. Hardy in Zones 8-10

10. Frost

11. Plentifall series
12. Delicate whiskers on light blue-gray petals

13. Winter hardy in Zones 6-9

14. Majestic Giants Mix

15. Awe-inspiring blotch and clear-faced blooms
16. Hardy in Zones 6-8

17. Bloom from spring through late autumn

18. Moulin Rouge

19. Tri-color jewel-tone blooms
20. Ideal for window boxes and pathways

21. Available in Zones 8-11

22. Neon Violet

23. Delta series
24. Vibrant purple blooms with dark center blotches

25. Hardy in Zones 4-10

26. Ocean Breeze Mix

27. Matrix series
28. Bi- and tri-colored blooms in lavender, purple, and white

29. Hardy in Zones 7-10

30. Orange Sun

31. Swiss Giants series
32. Peachy orange blooms

33. Hardy in Zones 5-9

34. Pastel Mix

35. Cool Wave series
36. Blooms in pastel shades

37. Winter hardy in Zone 5

38. Pure Golden Yellow

    • Delta series
    • Sunny yellow blooms
    • Hardy in Zones 4-8

39. Pure Light Blue

    • Delta Premium series
    • Baby blue petals with light yellow centers
    • Winter hardy in Zones 4-8

40. Raspberry Swirl

    • Cool Wave series
    • Mixed shades of rose and yellow
    • Winter hardy to Zone 5a

41. Rhinegold

    • Swiss Giants series
    • Bright yellow blooms with dark brown blotches
    • Winter hardy in Zones 3-9

42. Ruby Mix

    • Matrix series
    • Mix of pastel-colored blooms
    • Suitable for ground cover and window boxes

43. Silverbride

    • Swiss Giants series
    • Silvery-white petals with deep purple blotches
    • Hardy in Zones 3-9

44. Sunrise

    • Matrix series
    • Ruffly, layered, sunshine-hued blooms
    • Hardy in Zones 7-10

45. Ullswater

    • Swiss Giants series
    • Electric blue petals with midnight blue blotches
    • Hardy in Zones 5-9

46. Viva La Violet

    • Mammoth series
    • Large tricolor blooms
    • Hardy in Zones 5-9

47. Yellow Blotch

    • Matrix series
    • Bright yellow blooms with chocolate-colored faces
    • Hardy in Zones 5-10

Choosing the Right Pansy

When selecting a pansy variety for your garden, consider factors such as color, bloom size, and growing habits. Whether you prefer compact plants for containers or trailing varieties for ground cover, there is a pansy cultivar to suit your gardening needs.

Wrapping Up

Pansies are versatile, easy-to-grow flowers that provide year-round color to gardens. With a wide range of cultivars to choose from, you can select the perfect pansy variety to enhance your outdoor space. Experiment with different colors, patterns, and sizes to create a vibrant and visually appealing garden that will brighten your days. Enjoy the beauty of pansies in your garden today!