Pansy flowers look as though a face is painted in different hues. Botanical name is Viola x wittrockiana and belongs to Violaceae (violet) family.
Pansy is native of Europe and Western Asia. The name of the flower is derived from the French word pensée, which means thought or remembrance.
This perennial plant grows to a height of six to ten inches high and can spread up to ten to twelve inches across. The flowers are two to three inches in diameter and has two slightly overlapping upper petals, two side petals, and a single bottom petal. A beard is seen from the center of the flower. The petals are white, yellow, purple or blue and are painted in various contrasting colors. Pansy flower resembles little faces.
Plant them in pots or beds in sun or semi-shade in well-draining soils. They tolerate cold temperature. Apply a fertilizer once in 15 days.
Pansy has inspired many artists to paint on canvas.
