
What is a wild pansy called?
Wild Pansy. Viola tricolor, also known as wild pansy, grows in fields, wastelands, and forest edges. The flowers were quite prolific in the mountains, and covered yards and hillsides in abundance. They were introduced from Europe and have since escaped gardens across temperate North America.
What is the scientific name for pansies?
The garden pansy ( Viola × wittrockiana) is a type of large-flowered hybrid plant cultivated as a garden flower. It is derived by hybridization from several species in the section Melanium ("the pansies") of the genus Viola, particularly Viola tricolor, a wildflower of Europe and western Asia known as heartsease.
What is the difference between wild pansies and garden pansies?
Garden pansies can be very similar in colour. The Wild Pansy is smaller (usually less than 2.5cm across) and the petals only overlap slightly. Rough grassland, arable and cultivated land and waste places. April to October. Annual or short lived perennial.
Do you know the history of pansies?
None of us living today knew pansies when they were wild, weedy plants in the 1700s. But even this new century has seen many changes in the types of pansies available in commerce. New pansy plant types include cultivars offering huge blossoms, ruffled petals and vivid colors and color combinations.

Can you find pansies in the wild?
About. The delicate Field pansy is a wild relative of our garden pansy and can be found in fields and on waste ground and roadside verges - anywhere the ground has been disturbed. Its long-stalked, pale yellow flowers can be found winding their way through the grasses from April to October.
Where do wild pansies grow?
Sometimes called the wild pansy, this tiny herbaceous annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial wildflower was introduced to North America from Europe. It is found in lichen-dominated or meadow-like rocky outcrops, dry and sloping meadows, banks, fields, gardens, wastelands, sand fields, as well as seaside beaches.
Are pansies wild flowers?
It is derived by hybridization from several species in the section Melanium ("the pansies") of the genus Viola, particularly Viola tricolor, a wildflower of Europe and western Asia known as heartsease. It is sometimes known as Viola tricolor var....PansyClade:EudicotsClade:RosidsOrder:MalpighialesFamily:Violaceae11 more rows
What does a wild pansy look like?
The wild pansy is most easily identified by its tricolor flower effect of flowers with different colored petals of white, yellow, and purple. Different varieties and species will have different shades of this colour combination.
What do you call a wild pansy?
The wild pansy (V. tricolor), also known as Johnny-jump-up, heartsease, and love-in-idleness, has been widely naturalized in North America. The so-called African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha) belongs not to Violaceae, in the order Malpighiales, but to Gesneriaceae, in the order Lamiales.
Are pansies invasive?
Pansies and Violas Tips These plants grow rapidly and can be invasive. Pansies often are used to provide mass color for borders and edgings and as cover for spring-flowering bulbs.
Are pansies weeds?
Pansy is a beautiful flower with annual blooming cycles and comes in a wide variety of colors. While their fast growth and ability to spread might be considered a weed by some, pansies are technically not classified as weeds. Rather, they are classified as flowering plants.
Do pansies come back every year?
The short, quick answer is, yes. Because they have little freeze tolerance, most will die in sustained winters. In areas with moderate temperatures, they may come again in spring, especially if they were mulched to protect the roots.
Are wild pansies perennials?
Wild pansies are considered annuals, growing to more than 15 inches tall, and produce so many seeds that sprout so readily they appear to be perennial. The pansy flowers from May through September in half inch display patterns of purple, white and yellow. It is a progenitor of the cultivated pansy.
What is Wild Pansy used for?
Wild pansy has dermatological properties. Its use is particularly recognized in the case of seborrhoeic skin disorders. Numerous studies have been carried out on its action in skin pathologies such as pimple eruptions, acne and irritations. Wild pansy is also used in cases of psoriasis and vulval itching.
What are the little pansies called?
Violas look like miniature pansies with brilliant solid color blooms, or blooms with faces. Viola blooms are much smaller, but much more prolific than regular pansies. To complicate matters, there is a newer plant out now called a Panola.
What do pansies signify?
Pansy flowers are traditionally seen as symbols of love – both romantic and platonic. In Victorian floriography, pansies often represented forbidden love between secret lovers. Pansies also symbolize qualities like compassion, remembrance, and nostalgia. Pansies also embody thoughtfulness.
Are wild pansies perennials?
Wild pansies are considered annuals, growing to more than 15 inches tall, and produce so many seeds that sprout so readily they appear to be perennial. The pansy flowers from May through September in half inch display patterns of purple, white and yellow. It is a progenitor of the cultivated pansy.
What is Wild Pansy used for?
Wild pansy has dermatological properties. Its use is particularly recognized in the case of seborrhoeic skin disorders. Numerous studies have been carried out on its action in skin pathologies such as pimple eruptions, acne and irritations. Wild pansy is also used in cases of psoriasis and vulval itching.
Do deer eat pansies?
If you have planted pansies or violas for winter color beware of deer eating them. These beautiful annuals produce flowers that are edible and deer love to eat them.
Do pansies come back every year?
The short, quick answer is, yes. Because they have little freeze tolerance, most will die in sustained winters. In areas with moderate temperatures, they may come again in spring, especially if they were mulched to protect the roots.
Where do pansies live?
Habitat. Wild pansy is common on Eurasian continent near the sea or inland and available at an altitude ranging from 0 to 2700 meters. It spreads in open grasslands, wastelands and mainly on acidic and neutral soils. It could be found on banks and alluviums.
What is a wild pansy?
Wild pansy, a small creeping or ramping plant which reaches 15 cm high with flowers 1.5 cm in diameter. It is found in short grassland on farms as well as wastelands on acid and neutral soils. Usually it is found in partial shade. Roots are rhizome type with fine rootlets. Stem is hairless, downy and branched. It has no leaf rosette at the base, not like some other violets such as Viola hirta. Stipules are developed, palm-lined or palmatised. Flowers are lateral and solitary uphold on long peduncles. It is found on aerial stems having more or less long internodes. Sepals are 10-25 mm long. Corolla is found in blue, purple, white or blue in colour. Often it is found in two tones: yellow and purple. The plant is hermaphrodite, self-fertile i.e. pollinated by bees.
How many species of Viola are there?
The genus Viola comprises of almost 500 species which is widely distributed throughout the world. Wild pansy is a well-known medicinal plant whose biological activities are associated to its antioxidant capacity. With the long history of herbal use and is reputed as a treatment for asthma, epilepsy, skin diseases and other problems.
Is Wild Pansy good for you?
Health Benefits of Wild pansy. Skin health. Infusions are effective for treating eczema, acute and chronic inflammation of the skin which is characterized by itching, redness and swelling. Expectorant activities. The plant is helpful for treating sore throats; relieve problem and lower symptoms of whooping cough.
Where do wild pansies grow?
Viola tricolor, also known as wild pansy, grows in fields, wastelands, and forest edges. The flowers were quite prolific in the mountains, and covered yards and hillsides in abundance. They were introduced from Europe and have since escaped gardens across temperate North America. Wild pansies are considered annuals, growing to more than 15 inches tall, and produce so many seeds that sprout so readily they appear to be perennial. The pansy flowers from May through September in half inch display patterns of purple, white and yellow. It is a progenitor of the cultivated pansy.
What does the color pansy mean?
In traditional flower language, pansy's three colors stand for memories, loving thoughts, and souvenirs, all of which ease the hearts of separated lovers. Pansy is also called heartsease, and its juice once served as an ingredient in love potions. (Take note of that little fact, because I think it was the beginning of the twisted belief that somehow took over my life the summer I slept with pansies covering my eyes.)
What is the purpose of pansy tea?
Early in the 16th century, it was believed that pansy tea was effective for infantile convulsions, chest and lung inflammations, and as a surface remedy for scabs, itching, and skin ulcers. This external use caused pansy to be listed for a time in the U.S. Pharmacopeia, and has continued in herbal medicine. There is no scientific evidence regarding the validity of any claims made for pansy's healing properties. And sad but true, there is no evidence that pansy covered eyelids will lead you to the face of your true love.
What is a pansy plant?
The garden pansy ( Viola × wittrockiana) is a type of large-flowered hybrid plant cultivated as a garden flower. It is derived by hybridization from several species in the section Melanium ("the pansies") of the genus Viola, particularly Viola tricolor, a wildflower of Europe and western Asia known as heartsease.
What is the name of the pansy?
In Scandinavia, Scotland, and German-speaking countries, the pansy (or its wild parent Viola tricolor) is or was known as the "stepmother"; the name was accompanied by an aitiological tale about a selfish stepmother, told to children while the teller plucked off corresponding parts of the blossom to fit the plot.
How did the pansy lose its perfume?
A German fable tells of how the pansy lost its perfume. Originally pansies would have been very fragrant, growing wild in fields and forests. It was said that people would trample the grass completely in eagerness to pick pansies. Unfortunately, the people’s cows were starving due to the ruined fields, so the pansy prayed to give up her perfume. Her prayer was answered, and without her perfumed scent, the fields grew tall, and the cows grew fat on the fresh green grass.
How many pansies were there in 1833?
By 1833, there were 400 named pansies available to gardeners who once considered its progenitor, heartsease, a weed. Specific guidelines were formulated for show pansies but amateur gardeners preferred the less demanding fancy pansies. About this time, James Grieve developed the viola and Dr. Charles Stuart developed the violetta, both smaller, more compact plants than the pansy.
What is a pansy?
Names and terminology. Pansy displaying the two upper overlapping petals, the two side petals, and the single bottom petal. English common names, such as "pansy", "viola" and "violet" may be used interchangeably.
What is the difference between viola and pansy?
Modern horticulturalists tend to use the term "pansy" for those multi-coloured large-flowered hybrids that are grown for bedding purposes every year, while "viola" is usually reserved for smaller, more delicate annuals and perennials.
Where did the name Pansy come from?
The name "pansy" is derived from the French word pensée, "thought", and was imported into Late Middle English as a name of Viola in the mid-15th century, as the flower was regarded as a symbol of remembrance.
What is a pansy called?
The parent species are native wildflowers in Europe but became widely naturalized in North America. Pansies are therefore sometimes known as violas or violets, though most horticulturalists reserve the name "pansy" to refer to the hybrid varieties with large multicolored flowers.
What color are Wonderfall pansies?
If you're a fan of ombré, you'll love the graduated color shading of the 'WonderFall' blue and purple pansies. As the name suggests, this series exhibits a waterfall-like, trailing growth habit, making it perfect for spilling over the edges of your containers and hanging baskets. These plants spread three times further than traditional pansies, meaning more flowers on fewer plants, which stretches your gardening dollar.
How big does a pansy bloom?
The 'Inspire Deluxxe' series of pansy features blooms up to 3.5 inches across, so it won't take many open flowers to fill your containers with wall-to-wall pansy petals. The series offers several varieties in clear face and blotch, or you can buy customized mixes like 'Inspire Deluxxe Mulberry Mix.'
What color flowers go well with black pansies?
Pair these black blooms with chartreuse tulips for sizzling contrast, or plant them alongside white or yellow pansies for maximum effect.
What color are Delta Marina pansies?
Many garden flowers that claim to be blue are actually more of a purplish shade. Not so with the 'Delta Marina' pansy. The sturdy stems of the 'Delta' series hold blooms upright, keeping their faces out of the mud after spring storms. Pale blue flowers have a darker blue center, punctuated with an inner spot of yellow.
What color flowers shine like a pansy?
When it comes to piercing the dull gray of a rainy spring day, few flowers shine like a clear face pansy. 'Nature Orange' will stand out in your landscape like a beacon, especially when planted at eye level in a hanging basket or window box .
Do pansies have blotches?
For some gardeners, a pansy just isn't a pansy without the typical "blotch" markings that give the blooms the appearance of a face. The extra-large blooms that develop on pansies in the 'Inspire Plus' series, including 'Inspire Plus Mardi Gras Mix,' mean you'll be better able to enjoy those faces when looking out your window if the weather is too disagreeable to venture out.
When were pansies wild?
None of us living today knew pansies when they were wild, weedy plants in the 1700s. But even this new century has seen many changes in the types of pansies available in commerce. New pansy plant types include cultivars offering huge blossoms, ruffled petals and vivid colors and color combinations.
What are some examples of pansies?
One good example is the ‘ Matrix ‘ series of pansy, developed by PanAmerican Seed. These beauties, including ‘ Solar Flare ,’ with its exceptional copper and scarlet tomes, which can withstand warm temperatures just fine. Or try the “ Heat Elite ” series of beauties. Large flowered and short stemmed, these pansies come in many colors and do well in both extremes of heat and cold.
How tall do Bolero pansies grow?
They are spectacularly lovely with frilled, semi-double flowers in vivid shades. The plants grow to some 10 inches (25 cm.) tall and spread vigorously.
How big do pansies get?
Take a look at the ‘ Colossus ’ series. These pansies are huge, with upward-tilted faces as broad as your palm. They grow on compact plants about 5 inches (12 cm.) tall.
Do pansies grow in hot weather?
Modern pansy plant types include some that do well in hot weather, and others that can take winter’s worst and still raise pretty faces to the sun. It used to be that pansy varieties did poorly in warm regions of the country, bolting and flopping as the temperature soared. New kinds of pansy flowers, however, do very well in heat.
Where does the word "pansy" come from?
Image by sundec88. “Pansy” comes from the French word “pensee,” meaning thought, and come spring, many gardeners’ thoughts turn to this summer backyard staple. The bright and cheerful blossoms seem to smile up at you like little happy faces.
Do pansies grow in cold?
Large flowered and short stemmed, these pansies come in many colors and do well in both extremes of heat and cold. Pansy varieties have always done well in cool areas, but how about flowers that stay lovely through Christmas? Select among the new, cold-tolerant pansy plant types like ‘ Cool Wave White ‘ pansy.
What is a pansy flower?
Pansies have heart-shaped, overlapping petals and one of the widest ranges of bright, pretty colors and patterns. Good for containers, borders, and as ground cover, they are a go-to flower for reliable color almost year-round.
Why are my pansies not growing?
One of the most common reasons pansies fail is because they are not watered enough , so if your pansies are not doing well, try watering them more. You can use a general, all-purpose fertilizer around your pansies to help them grow.
How long does it take for pansy seeds to germinate?
Pansy seeds may be slow to germinate (typically emerging in anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks, depending on soil temperature). Set pansy plants in the ground when it becomes workable in the spring. They grow best when soil temperatures are between 45°F and 65°F (7°C and 18°C).
Do pansies look good in mixed colors?
Good for containers, borders, and as ground cover, they are a go-to flower for reliable color almost year-round. Pansies look pretty on their own in a monochrome scheme or in mixed colors; they also look pretty when planted with other cool-season flowers such as violas, primroses, trailing lobelia, and sweet alyssum.
Is a pansy perennial or annual?
The pansy may be treated as either an annual or a perennial, depending on your climate. However, most gardeners treat this plant as an annual because it prefers cool weather and gets too leggy in the heat of summer. There hasn't been much success in producing heat-tolerant pansies that can adequately survive hot weather.
Can pansies be planted in containers?
Pansies are great for containers. Just use potting soil. Plant in portable containers (12 inches or less in diameter) so the plants can be moved to a cooler area when the sun starts to get stronger. Early in the spring season or in the fall, a south-facing patio might be the perfect spot.
What does pansy taste like?
Pansy Recipes and Ideas. When eaten raw, pansy flowers have a fresh, slightly spicy, lettuce-like flavor. In a word, they taste very green. They are popular in salads because their taste meshes very well and they add a great splash of color.
How to make a pansy flower candy?
To candy a pansy flower, simply whisk together an egg white and a few drops of water. Using a paintbrush, gently brush the mixture onto both sides of the petals, making sure to coat the surface completely. Then dust the flower with confectioners’ sugar (it should stick in a fine layer).
Can you eat pansies?
Yes! Pansies are one of the most popular edible flowers, both because you can eat their sepals and because they come in such a wide array of colors. They are popular eaten both fresh in salads and candied in desserts. Keep reading to learn more about eating pansy flowers and common pansy recipes and ideas.
