The Difference Between Viola and Pansy

Features

• Pansies are hardy biennials, often grown as annuals throughout the United States. They bloom most prolifically in the spring and fall. The outer part of a pansy's petals are generally one color, while the middle part of the petals are another. The center of each petal generally corresponds to the color on the outside of the petal. Violas, also called Johnny jump ups or heart's ease, are also hardy biennials that bloom best in cool weather. A viola's petals are similar to a pansy's, but smaller. Although there are more than 500 species of violas, according to the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture website, today they generally have three colors. The petals on top of the flower are either blue or purple; the middle petals are white; and the bottom petals are yellow.

History

• According to the Utah State University Cooperative Extension, violas date back at least to the ancient Greeks, who grew the flowers for medicinal use. Both the leaves and flowers of violas and pansies are edible. Pansies, however, date only to the early 1800s and were bred by crossing several varieties of violas.

Identification

• There are two main differences between violas and pansies, according to the Texas A&M University website. Pansies grow from one primary stem, branching out above the soil. Violas, however, branch below the soil and several viola plants share one root system. In addition, pansies have larger, more showy blooms than violas.

Types

• The most common pansy is the two-color "face" pattern described previously. Some pansies are one solid color --- usually blue or yellow. Finally, some pansies have a solid color marked by black lines radiating from the center of the flower. Pansies come in a wide range of colors, including shades or red, blue, purple, pink, yellow, black, white and orange. Violas are most commonly seen in the three-color pattern, but may also be a single color and sometimes have pointed rather than rounded petals.