Pansies: 10 Fun Flower Facts

Despite their delicate name and appearance, pansies are tough, vibrant and come in all colors of the rainbow.  Not only are they one of the first signs of spring in garden centers, but their ability to bloom in cold weather makes them a staple for planting in fall too!

Here are 10 Fun Flower Facts:

1. The pansy was popular in the 19th century and was commonly used in “love potions”.  It’s one of the oldest cultivated flowers in history.
2. The name of pansy comes from the French word pensée (thought). So since ancient times, this flower was a symbol of remembrance.
3. They are edible.  The leaves and flowers have a mild, minty taste. They are a rich source of vitamin A and C!
4. Their leaves and flowers can be used as garnishes in cakes, fruit salads, green salads, desserts and soups.
5. They make excellent cut flowers and can add a burst of seasonal color in flower arrangements.
6. Not all pansies have a scent. Some varieties are known for their fragrance while others don’t have a noticeable scent at all. The yellow and blue pansies are the most fragrant.
7. They are commonly used in borders, mass plantings, or in blank pockets in the landscape. They also work great in window boxes & hanging baskets to brighten up the exterior of your home.
8. Those born in the month of February get to claim the pansy as their birth flower.
9. Pansies have faces! They’re not only known for their beauty, but for their “personalities.”  Pansies have heart-shaped over-lapping petals, which attribute to their “smiling-faces”. 
10. They may be treated as either an annual or a perennial, depending on their climate. Rochester gardeners treat them as an annual because they prefer cool weather and get too leggy in the heat of summer. 

Other Flower Facts:

• Bloom: April until it succumbs to summer heat
• Size: 6 to 8 inches tall
• Space: 6 inches apart – trailing varieties 12 inches apart
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Water: Water often enough to keep the soil slightly moist
• Soil: Well-drained
• Temperature: Cool season, frost tolerant

Written by Holly Cirella, CFO