Brief Description of Pansies

Description

• There are more than 250 varieties of pansies available, according to Clemson University Cooperative Extension. The flowers come in every color of the rainbow; some are a single color and some are multi-colored. Ideal as an edging plant, pansies are a compact plant that reaches a mature height of 12 inches or less, depending on variety.

Preferred Culture

• Temperatures of 65 degrees F or cooler are ideal according to Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Once the temperatures begin to warm up, pansies bolt, set seed and die. Select a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Amend the soil with compost or leaf mold before planting. Pansies perform best in well-draining, moist soil that is rich in organic matter.

Potential Problems

• There are several diseases and insects that affect pansies. Black root rot and fungal leaf spots are two of the most prominent disease problems, brought on by too much water, wet leaves or overhead watering. Prevention is the best method of combat for these two diseases. Pest problems include slugs, spider mites and aphids. Diatomaceous earth (DE) scattered around the base of the pansies is the best method of dealing with slugs. DE is a naturally occurring material made up of the fossilized remains of marine phytoplankton. When slug crawls across it, the DE punctures the slug’s exoskeleton and absorbs its body fluids thus killing it. The best method of dealing with aphids is ladybugs. A hard spray of water as needed takes care of spider mites.

Select And Caring For Pansies

• Purchase pansies with a compact shape, lots of unopened flower buds and dark green foliage. Tip the plants out of the pot and look at the roots as well. They should be white. Avoid plants that are root bound or have a lot of unhealthy roots. Roots that are brown, black or swishy feeling are not healthy. Apply a 5-10-10 slow-release fertilizer at planting time and again come spring. Water plants once a week in the fall and spring if there is not an inch of rainfall. During the winter there is no need to water. Encourage the pansies to keep blooming by removing the faded flowers.