One of the main reasons home gardeners love pansies so much is the incredible variety of colors they bring to the table. They also come in a wide range of sizes, which is great for customizing your garden beds. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the choices, here’s a quick breakdown of the different types to help you pick the perfect ones for your yard.
Large-Flowered Pansies
The most popular varieties are definitely the ones with those big, showy blooms. Most of us are looking for a blooming season that lasts as long as possible, and these garden pansies are bred to deliver. They’re usually a mix of several species, like the Wild Pansy (Viola tricolor), Altai Pansy (Viola altaica), and European Yellow Violet (Viola lutea). One of the absolute favorites in this category is the “Swiss Giant” series. You can find them in some stunning shades, including:
- Abendglut: A deep, moody dark red or brownish-red
- Firnengold: A bright, cheerful golden yellow
- Alpensee: A rich, deep blue
- Silberbraut: A crisp, clean white
Wild Species and Modern Hybrids
In addition to the classic garden hybrids, you can still find the original wild species. These usually stick to a palette of white, yellow, or violet. However, modern breeding has really pushed the envelope, introducing colors like burgundy, pink, and even vibrant orange. You’ll also find unique varieties like “Jolly Joker” or “Cats Orange” that ditch the traditional black “face” or eye in the center of the petal. This gives you tons of creative freedom when you’re planning your garden’s color scheme.
Johnny Jump-Ups (Viola Cornuta)
If you’re looking for something a little different, check out Johnny Jump-Ups (also known as horned violets). They are close cousins to the pansy, and while their flowers are much smaller, they make up for it by producing a massive amount of blooms. Some varieties have a trailing growth habit, which makes them perfect for hanging baskets or window boxes. When it comes to color, they’re just as diverse as their big-petaled relatives:
- Admire Orange Purple Wing: A striking yellow and violet combo
- Admire Marina: Beautiful shades of light and dark blue
- Sorbet Lemon Chiffon: A bright, sunny yellow
- Twix Black: A stunning, velvety midnight blue
