Botanically speaking, there is no difference. Pansies and violas are both members of the Viola species. This often leads to some confusion as to the difference between these two flowers. Although they are from the same family, there are differences in the way these two cool weather annuals grow, breed and bloom.

Pansies have larger flowers that are about 3 to 4 times larger than viola flowers are only about the size of a nickel. The other main difference between these two annuals are that violas produce a greater number of flowers, around 3 to 4 times more than pansies. As far as food and care, the two are very similar except violas tend to handle shade better than pansies, which will not bloom without full sun.

Whether you plant a bed full of just pansies, just violas or both for an interesting mix, September is the ideal month to plant them. Your pansies and violas way will have your landscape looking colorful, vibrant and healthy throughout the winter season and until April of next year!

If you need a little help with your Colorado winter landscape, contact Columbine Design at (303) 761-6807 for garden design and maintenance services in the Englewood or Denver area.

 

 

Sources:
http://gardeningandhorticulture.blogspot.com/2006/09/pansies-vs-violas.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/24/garden/24qna.html
http://www.pikenursery.com/tipsandadvice/dtet/oct.html

Photo by Dean Morley.