Pansy

   Pansy (Viola tricolor subcp. hortensis) ,with USDA hardiness zones 6-10, can add a wide variety of color to your fall, winter and spring gardens. The colors range from blues, reds, oranges, yellows, pinks and purples. It can handle cooler temperatures so  it is a great addition for those gray winters.
    These guys enjoy the sun (6+ hours), but can also do well in partial shade(3+ hours). They will begin to die once the hottest of summer comes.
   Pruning is simple, just clip or pull dead flowers from the plant. You can run your fingers down the stem of the flower and pinch it from the base of the plant. 
   Pansies need a semi-moist soil but cannot sit in water, this can lead the roots to rot and ultimately death.

   Pansies are a mounding plant that will grow in more a dome shape, usually about 8-12" across. You can fertilize every 2-4 weeks, I use miracle gro plant food.


    Feel free to leave comments or questions. I have a lot to learn myself, but i have had great success with the above information. Later, once I learn myself, i will post how to root and seed pansies AND what it all means!

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    -Wesley