Today’s Horticultural Lesson

Pansies were hybridized by English and German breeders from tiny Johnny-jump-ups and other violas into big bluish bloomers by the end of the 19th century. Those early hybrids were called "show" pansies and were featured throughout Victorian England at garden exhibitions. Today pansies appear in a riot of colors - deep maroon, blues, yellows, purples, and all sorts of pastels. Through the years, the flower size has increased, as well, and breeding has also brought us ruffled petals.

What's in a Name?

The name pansy is derived from the French word pensee - thought or contemplation. The pansy forerunner, Johnny-jump-up (Viola tricolor), a name that best describes the rambunctious nature of this wild herb, goes under a number of pseudonyms including heartsease, tickle-my-fancy, love-in-idleness, and wild pansy. This tiny viola is distinguished by its deep purple petals with yellow and/or dark blotches.

Wing, Dale. "Sweet on pansies." Country Living May 1998: 182+. Gardening, Landscape and Horticulture. Web. 15 May 2013.