In the fall? In Zone 5 New England? Yes - in fact, these pansies are hardy to Ontario! You'll find 'Icicle' pansies available at local gardens centers, ready to be planted from late summer to early fall.

After a long, dreary winter, there's nothing like a flat of pansies to brighten our mood and our garden. We enjoy their bravado in the face of cold, damp spring. But, as the days get longer, the sun brighter and the temperatures higher, our beloved pansies start to slump. Blossoming all but ceases, new growth becomes leggy and plants flop over in a most ungraceful fashion.

We try placing these spring-planted pansies in a cooler spot, with some partial shade, to lengthen their productivity. We trim them back and apply fertilizer, for a little "rebound" flowering. But, despite our best efforts, they languish during the dog days of summer. And so, we resign ourselves, looking forward to the possibility of a small autumn encore. Sure, they might seed in over the winter (or, an occasional plant may survive)... but, essentially, we were dealing with a one-season (spring) annual.

Now, with the introduction of fall-planted 'Icicle' pansies, everything changes. This is considered a two-season annual. Planted in late summer/early fall, their colors enliven the autumn landscape, right up until the first freeze of winter. Bark mulch is fine, but there's no need for extra winter mulch. 'Icicle' pansies will simply go into a winter dormancy.

As winter subsides and temperatures just start to moderate, your fall efforts are rewarded by a spectacular display, which persists through late spring. These pansies will have filled in, flowering at just the right time to augment your spring-flowering bulbs. So, as you plant Dutch bulbs this fall, include 'Icicle' pansies in complementary or contrasting hues.

The color choice is broad... from apricot and orange to shades of blue, purple and even black, you'll find single hues and rich bicolors. There's nothing cheerier, in the spring or fall garden, than pansy "faces." Keep them cheery and thriving by planting 'Icicle' pansies in full sun to just a little shade, with shelter from prevailing wind. Well-drained soil is essential, especially during the winter. Work organic, granular fertilizer into the soil at planting time and attend to watering, should this be a dry autumn. Reapply fertilizer next spring, as plants break dormancy. Deadheading to remove spent blooms is not essential to their continued bud set, merely a tidying process that some gardeners like to perform.

So - Pansies? Now? Why not? Why wouldn't you want these cheerful little faces, bobbing in the autumn breeze, and greeting you early next spring? Try some 'Icicle' pansies this fall!


©Deb Lambert 2007

Note: There are 'Icicle' violas, as well... worth seeking out, if you like the smaller, more delicate Viola. Though smaller than pansy flowers, the blossoms are borne in greater profusion.