Fall
Home Improvement Section
Pansies,
Violas and Panolas for Fall Planting
Connie
S. Hoffner, Master Gardener Volunteer
Pansies,
violas and panolas are perfect for providing color when the rest of the garden
is getting ready to go in for a long winter's nap. These cool weather lovers can
make it though frosts and even the cold of winter rewarding you again in the
spring.
The
word pansy comes from the French word pensee that means thought
They
have acquired a long list of names such as call-me-to-you, ladies delight and
threes- faces-under-a-hood.
Pansies and violas are cousins, with Johnny-jump-ups, being a common ancestor.
Panolas are the new kid on the block, a cross between a pansy and
a viola. The panola seems to have inherited the best features of its parents.
The flowers are
not as big as a pansy but are larger than a viola. They may have dozens of
blooms at a time. For this reason alone, they deserve a place in the landscape. The
sheer number of flowers produced makes them real show offs. Some retail outlets
have these in
stock.
Pansies,
violas and panolas are among some of the most colourful and prolific annuals.
One of the most attractive qualities is a vast range of colors and color
combinations. Pansies come in every shade of the rainbow and every imaginable
hue from bright, sunny yellows and vivid blues to delicate pastel colors.
Flowers can be solid, bi-colored or have those famous "faces" or
blotches. Many gardeners are particularly attracted to the pansies with
"faces". Violas have smaller more delicate flowers. Panolas come in
several colors. These plants provide a splash of brightness wherever they are
planted.
The
hybrid varieties of pansies that are usually the best choice for large flowers,
vigorous growth and better heat tolerance are the "Majestic Giants"
series, "Regal" series, "Crown" series and
"Imperial" series. Local suppliers have many of these varieties as
well as the "Dynamite" series. These varieties can produce flowers up
to 4 inches across. The "Delta" series, "Universal" series,
"Bingo" series and "Faces" series are
examples of plants that produce flowers 2 to 3 inches across.
Botanically,
pansies are perennials
but are usually grown as annuals. Breeders continue to develop cultivars that
possess better heat tolerance and cultivars that over-winter.
Pansies
need full sun and a good start to accomplish their best show. Violas and panolas
enjoy the same kind of environment but may tolerate partial shade. When
selecting plants it is easy to become swayed by the instant fix of plants with
lots of flowers. Pick plants that are stocky, dark green and that have less
blooms. These plants will reward you with lots of future blooms. Avoid leggy
plants or plants that are root-bound
because they will have a more difficult time getting established
Planting
time is critical. Pansies can weather the cold but to bounce back in spring,
they need a chance to get a good footing. For best results, plant the plants
when the soil temperature is between 45-65 degrees. If plants are planted too
early, they become leggy with yellowish leaves and fewer flowers. Cool soil
temperatures at planting result in stunted plants with inactive roots producing
small flowers.
Pansies,
violas and panolas will give you a great show during the fall and then again in
spring. Select a location for the plants where they will provide the most
enjoyment from their lovely display.
Plant
in well drained soils amended with soil conditioners and organic matter. Organic
matter improves the water holding capacity and helps retain vital nutrients.
Plants need to be watered and mulched at planting to conserve moisture and
protect the root system.
Pansies
benefit from high phosphorus water-soluble fertilizers designed to stimulate
root development and blooms. Bone meal and cottonseed meal are sources of
organic phosphorus. Pansies and particularly panolas are
require heavy feeders.
Encourage blooms by occasionally deadheading spent blooms. Give the pansies what they want and they will give you what you want! The variety and versatility of cool weather annuals add to their attraction.
If you don't have enough space for a flower bed then slip the plants into
planters, baskets or window boxes. They are a welcome sight in containers,
flowerbeds and borders. Pansies, violas and panolas can be used as under
plantings for shrubs or added to existing beds with spring flowering bulbs. They
don't mind sharing the limelight with others and just think of the spring show
that this will make! Pansies and violas are mainstays as cool season annuals.
Gardening
offers the opportunity to work together with nature on some great projects.
Thinking ahead of the possibilities with a plan is an important step in the
process. With a little cooperation
from nature you can look forward to a bright, colorful reward this fall and
again in the spring. Happy
gardening!
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