Pansies—those cheerful, colorful blooms—are making a comeback, and it’s no surprise. What’s their secret? They are incredibly hardy.
Why do they matter?
In Calgary, where our cold winters can put many plants to the test, pansies are one of the few bedding plants that can actually survive and bloom through winter if planted at the right time. Gardeners in milder zones have long known that you can plant pansies in fall, and they’ll keep blooming and brightening your garden all winter into early spring.
Did you know?
Pansies can overwinter as far north as Zone 4—meaning in parts of southern Alberta and even some northern regions, they can brave the cold. So, investing in hardy varieties means you get up to eight months of color—September through April or May—without replanting.
The spring bonus:
While they might look a bit sad and pitiful during the coldest winter days (often buried under snow), they’re just resting. Come spring, they burst into full bloom, and healthy, established plants often produce even more flowers after a winter in the ground.
What are pansies?
They are Viola hybrids, officially known as Viola x wittrockiana. They’re often treated as annuals or biennials and are related to Johnny jump-ups (Viola tricolor). There are many varieties, especially in series with a wide range of vibrant colors, so you can mix and match to suit your garden’s look.
Tips for overwintering pansies in Calgary:
- Plant early: The sooner you plant in fall, the better their chances of establishing strong roots before winter. Aim for September, and in warmer zones, October might still work.
- Choose hardy varieties: Look for types tested and proven to survive colder temperatures, like those from the Sky, Delta, Bingo, or Accord series. Many of these are bred specifically for cold hardiness.
- Pick a good spot: Ensure they’re in well-drained soil—saturated soil during snowmelt can kill even tough plants. A sunny location also helps them thrive.
- Plant in well-drained soil: Proper drainage is key to prevent rot during our wet winters.
How to buy healthy plants:
- Avoid old, stretched-out plants at the garden center—they often won’t perform well.
- Look for compact, healthy plants with dark green, firm leaves and well-developed roots.
- Early fall is best for buying and planting, so don’t delay!
Using pansies creatively:
- Combine them with spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils for stunning early-season color.
- After bulbs bloom and fade, pansies step in to keep your garden lively.
- Plant them in borders, containers, or mixed beds—just give them room to grow.
Growing tips:
- Space plants about 6–8 inches apart.
- Deadhead regularly—pinch off faded blooms to encourage more flowers.
- Feed with a mild, balanced fertilizer every few weeks in spring for vibrant blooms.
- Watch out for pests like slugs, snails, and aphids, which can sometimes bother pansies. Good drainage and healthy soil help prevent disease and rot.
When summer heats up:
Pansies don’t like the heat! As temperatures rise, they tend to become leggy and lose their blooms. When it gets warm, it’s time to replace them with summer annuals that love the heat.
In summary:
Pansies are a wonderful, hardy choice for Calgary gardens—offering color from fall through to spring if planted early and with the right varieties. They’re easy to grow, forgiving, and incredibly versatile. With a little planning, you can enjoy their cheerful blooms year-round!
