Pansy Colossus Mix

Viola x wittrockiana

Characteristics

Culture

Colossus Pansies are a large bloomed pansy that does well in the heat and humidity of early fall in the South. Their upward facing blooms can get to 3-4″ across. It has a tight growth habit that is less prone to stretching in warm weather. The Colossus Pansy series is predominately comprised of “blotch” bloomed varieties but it also includes clear white, clear yellow and multicolored blooms.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Pansies are THE cold weather plant of choice for late fall, winter and early spring color. They are exceptionally cold hardy and will thrive in the cool southern winter months. Farther north, they may go dormant, but will flush out and bloom again when temperatures warm up. To maximize your Pansy enjoyment, plant pansies in mid to late fall and enjoy them all fall, winter and into the spring. Pansies need little attention in the garden besides an occasional watering. Typically, in the fall and winter there is enough rain that they do not need watering by hand. However, they need regular watering during a dry winter. Also they will tolerate a hard freeze better if they are not stressed from being too dry when they freeze.

Problems

Fungal leaf disease, pansy leaf spot and powdery mildew may affect this plant. Slugs, snails and glasshouse red spider mites are common insects.  

Garden Uses

Colossus Pansy Mix plants can bloom for months, making it an excellent plant for bedding, containers and hanging baskets. Use it as a border or in a mass planting along hardscapes or on slopes or banks. It enlivens children’s, edible and winter gardens. Pansy flowers are edible, but be advised that plants purchased from nurseries or garden centers may have been treated with systemic pesticides.