The common names “pansy” and “viola” are frequently used interchangeably, causing confusion about whether these popular garden flowers are the same plant. While they share a close botanical relationship, the terms refer to distinct groups of plants with noticeable differences in appearance and garden performance. Understanding the specific classifications and characteristics of each flower helps gardeners select the right plant for their needs.
The Family Tree: Understanding the Relationship
Both pansies and violas belong to the large plant genus Viola, which includes over 500 species. Viola is the genus name for all violets, violas, and pansies, meaning that all pansies are technically a type of viola, but not all violas are pansies. The plants commonly sold as violas are often varieties of Viola cornuta or Viola tricolor, the wild pansy.
The modern garden pansy, however, is a hybrid plant with the specific scientific name Viola × wittrockiana. This classification indicates it is the result of cross-breeding several wild Viola species, including V. tricolor, V. lutea, and V. altaica, a process that began centuries ago. The development of the pansy created a new, larger-flowered plant distinct from its wild ancestors.
Key Visual Differences in the Garden
The most apparent distinction between the two flowers is the size and structure of the bloom. Pansy flowers are significantly larger, typically measuring between two and four inches in diameter, and are often described as having a flattened, face-like appearance. In contrast, viola flowers are much more petite, usually less than an inch across.
The arrangement of the five petals also differs. A traditional pansy flower has four petals that point upward and one petal that points downward, often featuring a distinct, dark blotch or “face” at the center. Violas typically have two petals pointing upward and three petals pointing downward. Their blooms are more likely to be solid colors or have a small, contrasting eye without the large facial marking of the pansy. Violas tend to produce a higher volume of smaller blooms per plant, creating a dense blanket of color.
Practical Growing Considerations
Violas and pansies are both cool-weather annuals, but violas demonstrate superior hardiness and longevity in the garden environment. Violas are more tolerant of both cold and mild heat, allowing them to bloom longer into the summer before succumbing to high temperatures. Pansies tend to fade and wither more quickly when temperatures begin to rise.
Gardeners often utilize the two plants for different purposes due to these growth habits. Violas are excellent for groundcover, borders, and rock gardens because of their lower, more spreading growth habit and their tendency to reseed readily. Pansies are frequently chosen for containers, window boxes, and mass plantings where a bold, immediate impact is desired. Many violas can also act as short-lived perennials in warmer zones, whereas pansies are almost exclusively treated as annuals.