Viola wittrockiana aka Garden Pansy

Taxonomy

Viola wittrockiana, commonly known as the garden pansy or pansies, is a large-flowered hybrid plant cultivated for its beauty in gardens. It is a result of hybridization from various species in the Melanium section of the Viola genus, specifically V. tricolor, also known as heartsease. While it is sometimes referred to as V. tricolor var. hortensis, this scientific name is ambiguous. The chromosome number of Viola wittrockiana ranges from 2n = 44–52, with most cultivars having 2n = 48. The flowers are 5 to 8 centimeters in diameter and consist of two slightly overlapping upper petals, two side petals, and a single bottom petal with a slight beard at its center. These petals can be white or yellow, purplish, or blue. The plant can grow up to 23 centimeters in height and thrives in well-draining soils with varying degrees of sunlight. As a vigorous and spreading plant, Viola wittrockiana is a short-lived perennial that reaches a height of about 20 centimeters and can trail up to 60 centimeters. Although typically grown as an annual or biennial, it can bloom throughout the year depending on the sowing date. The flowers, which are flat-faced and rounded, measure up to 5 centimeters in diameter and come in a variety of two-tone and self-colors, including yellow, white, and several shades of purple. Pansies, or Viola wittrockiana, are highly sought after as bedding plants for cooler weather. The ones sold commercially are mostly F1 hybrids, growing to a height of 8 inches with flattened face-like flowers that are 2-4 inches in diameter.

Common names

Garden Pansy, Pansy, Viola Xwittroxkiana

How to care for Garden Pansy

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Garden Pansy, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Garden Pansy should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Garden Pansy loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Garden Pansy prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Garden Pansy plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

The Garden Pansy does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Fertilizer

Once the Garden Pansy has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Garden Pansy’s native range is Temperate Northern Hemisphere.


More info:
Wikipedia