Viola tricolor aka Pansy

Viola tricolor, also known as wild pansy, Johnny Jump up, heartsease, heart's delight, tickle-my-fancy, Jack-jump-up-and-kiss-me, come-and-cuddle-me, and pink of my john, is a common European wild flower that can grow as an annual or short-lived perennial. This species has been introduced into North America where it has spread and is the progenitor of the cultivated pansy. Before the cultivated pansies were developed, "pansy" was an alternative name for the wild form. Viola tricolor can produce up to 50 seeds at a time, and its flowers can be purple, blue, yellow, or white. There are over 500 different species of violas, and most of the violas cultivated in gardens are grown as annuals or short-lived perennials. Many will self-seed and give you years of delight. Primarily cool-season bloomers, violas are perfect for starting and ending the season in colder climates and for bridging the seasons in warmer zones, where they can remain in bloom throughout the winter. Viola flowers are edible and make unexpected garnishes and salad ingredients. They can also be candied for a frosted effect or used to decorate cakes or other confections. Wild pansy is a popular houseplant that is easy to care for, needing regular watering to thrive. They do best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window.