Pretty pansies--don't let the name fool you. These flowers are anything but shy, weak or sensitive. In fact, they're one of the hardiest of the bunch. And if it's fall color you're looking for, pansies rise to glory in the fall.
They are surprisingly cold hardy in most parts of the country. In fact, in Zones 6-9, their bright faces can bloom all winter long. In cool fall temperatures, pansies double their size and produce more flowers. Pansies need well-drained soil and prefer at least six hours of sun a day. After the flowers fade, you can rejuvenate the plants by cutting them back about one-third. In about one to two weeks, you'll have another flush of colorful blooms. So the next time you're searching for a great flower of the frost, don't forget about pansies. They're compact, they're cold hardy and they're definitely colorful.
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