When winter sends most of the garden into hibernation, pansies and violas step in to steal the show. 

These hardy winter flowers are the superheroes of the chilly season, adding cheerful colour when you need it most. Giving these cold-weather annuals a little TLC will keep them flowering right through the frost.

Winter garden colour

Violas and pansies are cold-weather annuals that are known for their bright and bold hardiness during the coldest months.

They’re both part of the Viola genus, with pansies tending to have bigger, bolder flowers, and violas leaning more on the smaller side, but usually producing more flowers. In a nutshell: pansies are the show-offs, violas are the overachievers – and together, they put on an impressive winter garden show.

Combining pansies and violas for a colourful winter flower bed

Chase the (winter) sun

Pansies and violas thrive in full sun to partial shade. In winter, don’t be shy about chasing the sun. A north-facing spot with good light is ideal. These beauties don’t need scorching temperatures, but they do love a bit of warmth and lots of light.

Spade up

A great soil preparation technique for winter-flowering annuals is to aim for something well-draining and rich in organic matter. If your garden soil is on the heavy side, dig in some compost to lighten things up. Raised beds, containers and hanging baskets also work really well as creative container gardening ideas using pansies and violas in winter.

Protecting pansies and violas from frost and cold snaps

One of the joys of these flowers is their ability to shrug off cold snaps. A light frost may make them look a bit sad in the morning, but they usually perk up once the sun returns. 

In extreme temperatures, ie when the soil freezes, the roots can’t absorb water from the frozen soil. This is why it’s so important to do what you can to keep soil warm enough for the pansy and viola root systems to survive.

• If you’re expecting a hard frost, a light fleece or frost cloth will protect them overnight. Drape the cloth over your pansies and violas, making sure it touches the soil but doesn’t directly rest on the plants themselves. Secure the edges with rocks, bricks or garden pins so the cloth stays in place during windy conditions.

• Insulate with mulch.

Apply a thick layer (about 5 – 7cm) of mulch around the base of your plants. This helps to insulate the roots from the freezing temperatures, and prevents the soil from becoming too cold too quickly.

• Water plants before frost hits.

Water your plants in the morning before the frost hits. Wet soil holds more heat overnight than dry soil, which can help protect the roots from freezing. Be careful to only water if the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in winter when the plant’s growth slows.

• Use a diluted liquid fertiliser to boost the overall health of your plants.

Feed once a month during the colder months but avoid fertilising during frosty conditions, as it may encourage soft, susceptible growth.

Grow boldly

With this viola and pansy care guide, you’ll be on your way to delighting in these striking winter beauties in just a few weeks.

Ready to start your winter planting journey? 

Browse pansies and violas online* or at your nearest Stodels garden centre to add those coveted pops of colour to your winter garden. 

*Western Cape only.