Pansies ... Great in Cool Weather

By Dolly R. Sickles

Posted: January 11, 2008

In my garden center search for the perfect houseplants this week, I ran across a plethora of pansies. My favorite, of which, are the lavendar ones.

Pansies are generally a very cold-hearty plant, surviving freezing temperatures even while in full bloom. They grow well in sunny or partially sunny locations, and are winter hearty in Zones 4 through 8. If you don't normally include pansies in your cooler weather landscape, this year would probably be a great year to begin ... pansies only need to be watered once a week (and just a sip'll do them).

If there's a prolonged period of snow, cover your pansies to protect them. Consider, as well, planting your pansies in pots rather than in the ground. Not only will it add visual variety to your landscape, but you'll have a moveable harvest that can be moved into the garage or on the porch if Mother Nature creates a wintery wonderland.

Pansies for me normally last from the fall through late spring.

What is your favorite color of pansy?
Where do you buy them?
Where do you plant them in your garden: in the ground or in a pot?

8 Comments

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Good idea about pansies. My neighbor's yard across the street looks so cheerful even on a gloomy day.

Iris
January 14, 2008 9:49 a.m.

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It's cold-hardy, not cold-hearty.

albritton76
January 12, 2008 7:39 a.m.

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gopanthers...thanks for the hanging basket idea. Rabbits and deer are such a problem but I love the splash of color in the winter.

rah-rah-rita
January 11, 2008 6:11 p.m.

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I loved the mixed colors. Pretty colors in dead winter!

Bubbles I am
January 11, 2008 4:07 p.m.

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rah-rah-rita - I love to work in the yard. My favorite pass time especally when I am able to get outside and work in the yard. Growing season! I to love purple and yellow pansies mixed together. About the only thing you can find that blooms in the winter. I have two huge hanging baskets out on the front porch with yellow and purple mixed and they are doing great out there. Huge blooming plants in those baskets right now. Just wanted to share that with you.

gopanthers
January 11, 2008 3:47 p.m.

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I also stopped planting pansies, between deer and rabbits I just end up with green twigs. The rabbits and myself both get excited when more blooms come, I swear they check everyday for more blooms. I've started planting pansies in tall pots now, seems like the only way for me.

I love the dark burgandy colored pansies.

lbroyal
January 11, 2008 2:50 p.m.

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I gave up planting pansies. Very expensive deer food. My neighbor still plants them and covers them with a netting that is barely noticable, but you have to anchor it down well or they will nose it aside. Deer Off works for awhile but you have to remember to reapply it periodically - if not, munch, munch.

Shug
January 11, 2008 2:26 p.m.

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Beautiful picture of pansies. The purple are my favorite also with the bright yellow a close second. I think I will go to Lowe's or Home Depot this week-end to see what is available.

rah-rah-rita
January 11, 2008 1:44 p.m.

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