Fall 2009 Trial Bed

Pansy Flower Bed, April 12, 2010

So... PANSIES, VIOLAS or PANOLAS??

WHICH HAS THE BEST RECOVERY FROM WINTER'S FURY?  The Pansy and Viola both consistently bounce back from snow and cold conditions.  The question is which one bounces back faster and holds onto its color the longest?  In ideal conditions the Pansy is a remarkable bedding plant with big beautiful blooms and dark green foliage, but once winter takes hold the Pansy goes dormant and doesn't return until significant warmth returns.  The Violas has less "WOW" factor in the beginning of the season, but makes up for that with bloom longevity into winter, quick bounce back with "warm spells" in the winter and proves itself as a valuable asset in early spring and continuous bloomer into May.

WHAT ABOUT PANOLAS?  Panolas are a series of Pansy billed as "The Ultimate Landscape Pansy" that has a bloom size smaller than a traditional Pansy bloom, but bigger than a Viola bloom.  Created to be a cross between the Pansy and Viola, the Panola series is designed to have the flower power of a Pansy and bounce back of a Viola.  We have observed nothing in our trial beds to distinguish Panolas series from other Pansies series.  The Panola series perform just like any Pansy except it has a slightly smaller bloom size.  They do not bounce back any quicker or bloom any different than other Pansy series we have trialed in our flower beds.  The Panolas (like all Pansies) do not bounce back as good as a Viola and should be considered just another Pansy series.

WHAT SHOULD I PLANT THIS FALL?  Pansies are the best choice for your customers that demand SUPERIOR COLOR in the fall and are less concerned with bloom longevity and plant recovery.  Violas work for clients that want CONSISTENT COLOR in the fall/winter months with a QUICK COLOR recovery and better plant recovery for the spring color.

WHEN SHOULD I ORDER VIOLAS OR PANSIES?  The time is now to order your fall needs, especially Violas.  Early planning is needed for major changes in our fall production.  We encourage you to trial violas this year in a few beds and see the difference yourself.  If you require Panolas, a special order will need to be placed ASAP.  Please review your fall needs and determine which plant material best suits your client demands for the Fall 2010.