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
- Blue Skies
- Cool Wave series
- Trailing growth habit
- Ideal for hanging baskets and ground cover
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Winter hardy in Zone 5
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Frizzle Sizzle Mix
- PanAmerican Seed Company
- Compact plants with ruffled petals
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Hardy in Zones 8-10
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Frost
- Plentifall series
- Delicate whiskers on light blue-gray petals
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Winter hardy in Zones 6-9
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Majestic Giants Mix
- Awe-inspiring blotch and clear-faced blooms
- Hardy in Zones 6-8
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Bloom from spring through late autumn
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Moulin Rouge
- Tri-color jewel-tone blooms
- Ideal for window boxes and pathways
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Available in Zones 8-11
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Neon Violet
- Delta series
- Vibrant purple blooms with dark center blotches
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Hardy in Zones 4-10
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Ocean Breeze Mix
- Matrix series
- Bi- and tri-colored blooms in lavender, purple, and white
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Hardy in Zones 7-10
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Orange Sun
- Swiss Giants series
- Peachy orange blooms
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Hardy in Zones 5-9
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Pastel Mix
- Cool Wave series
- Blooms in pastel shades
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Winter hardy in Zone 5
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Pure Golden Yellow
- Delta series
- Sunny yellow blooms
- Hardy in Zones 4-8
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Pure Light Blue
- Delta Premium series
- Baby blue petals with light yellow centers
- Winter hardy in Zones 4-8
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Raspberry Swirl
- Cool Wave series
- Mixed shades of rose and yellow
- Winter hardy to Zone 5a
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Rhinegold
- Swiss Giants series
- Bright yellow blooms with dark brown blotches
- Winter hardy in Zones 3-9
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Ruby Mix
- Matrix series
- Mix of pastel-colored blooms
- Suitable for ground cover and window boxes
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Silverbride
- Swiss Giants series
- Silvery-white petals with deep purple blotches
- Hardy in Zones 3-9
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Sunrise
- Matrix series
- Ruffly, layered, sunshine-hued blooms
- Hardy in Zones 7-10
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Ullswater
- Swiss Giants series
- Electric blue petals with midnight blue blotches
- Hardy in Zones 5-9
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Viva La Violet
- Mammoth series
- Large tricolor blooms
- Hardy in Zones 5-9
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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!