Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2007
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/flowers.html

September/October 2007

The Many Faces Of Winter-Hardy Pansies
Karen Hull, Johnson's East Greenhouse Manager

    You know fall has arrived when pansies are on the tables at
Johnson's. Everyone loves pansies. These tough little plants have become
a welcome addition to fall landscapes in Kansas. Pansies come in all
colors except green (maybe next year) and will be a showstopper in your
landscape.
    Pansies come in solid colors and there are pansies with "faces."
Some pansies can have as many as three colors, some have ruffles. New
introductions this year are Northern Lights and Blue Velvet. Northern
Lights is a mix of lemony yellow and lavender with whiskers. Blue Velvet
is a velvety navy blue with a dark blue-black blotch. These two new
pansies look great planted together with the Blue Velvet accenting the
Northern Lights. Blue Velvet also looks good with Rose Pansies. We'll
also have a new viola called Peach Jump Up, a salmon-peach with purple
edging. (Newer varieties are typically available later in the season.)
    Pansies prefer cool and cold weather. When planted in the ground
this fall, pansies will overwinter to -25 degrees and you'll enjoy blooms in
the fall, winter and spring. Pansies also look great in containers and
window boxes. Keep in mind that containers lack the insulation of the
ground and pansies usually will not overwinter in pots.
    Pansies look great planted with mums and spring flowering bulbs.
Tulips, daffodils and hyacinths blooming with pansies create a beautiful
spring explosion.
    What FUN fall is with the arrival of these cheery blooms! If you
haven't planted pansies before or if you are already hooked on pansies,
we have the right colors for you. And that is the only problem with
pansies ... choosing the colors!