Pansy Viola 'Lady Hume Campbell' (dPVt)
ABOUT
The Viola 'Lady Hume Campbell' is known for its delicate and charming appearance with features typical of pansies, which is its most common name. The plant is adorned with soft, velvety blooms that display a beautiful palette of colors, usually in shades of lavender, blue, and violet, often with a charming face-like pattern in the center, adding to their character. The petals are rounded and slightly overlapping, creating a full, rounded flower. The petals have a gentle ruffling at the edges, giving them a subtle frilled effect that enhances the flower's intricate beauty. The center of the flower typically showcases a small yellow eye, further accentuating the contrasting colors within each bloom. The pansy's foliage forms a dense clump of green leaves providing a lush backdrop to the colorful flowers. These leaves are typically broad, with a softly serrated or scalloped edge, and emerge from the base of the plant in a basal rosette arrangement. The lush green of the leaves serves to highlight the brilliance of the flowers, which rise just above them on slender stems, dancing in the breeze. The overall presentation of the pansy is one of hearty fullness, with a romantic, almost whimsical allure that is enjoyed by many gardeners and admirers of flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Violaceae
Synonyms
Lady Hume Campbell Pansy
Common names
Viola 'Lady Hume Campbell' (dPVt).
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as pansy is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingestion of pansy parts typically does not lead to poisoning or serious health consequences. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating plants that are not specifically grown for consumption, as various factors such as pesticide use can introduce toxins.
To pets
The plant commonly referred to as pansy is also generally considered non-toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. Ingestion may result in mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals due to the novelty of the plant material, but significant toxicity and poisoning symptoms are not commonly associated with pansies for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
6-10 inches (15-25 cm)
Spread
6-10 inches (15-25 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Viola 'Lady Hume Campbell', also commonly known as Pansy, provides aesthetic appeal with its vibrant and varied colored blooms, enhancing the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: Pansies are known for being hardy and easy to cultivate, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Extended Blooming Period: Pansies typically have a long blooming season, offering color in the garden from fall through spring in many climates.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies which are essential pollinators for many gardens and ecosystems.
- Edible Flowers: Pansy flowers are edible and can be used to add color and a mild flavor to salads and as garnishes for various dishes.
- Cool Weather Tolerance: Pansies are capable of withstanding colder temperatures, making them a great choice for fall and early spring planting in cooler regions.
- Versatile Planting Options: These plants can be grown in garden beds, containers, hanging baskets, and window boxes, offering flexibility in garden design and space utilization.
- Seasonal Themes: With their assortment of colors, pansies can be used to create thematic displays for holidays, events, or to complement seasonal color schemes in landscapes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The petals of Sweet Violet can be used to produce a natural dye for textiles, yielding shades of blue and purple.
- In perfumery: Sweet Violet's subtle fragrance is extracted to make perfumes and scented sachets.
- Floral arrangements: Sweet Violet is often used in small, delicate floral arrangements for its beauty and fragrance.
- Culinary decoration: The edible flowers can be crystallized or used fresh to decorate cakes and pastries.
- Flavoring agent: Sweet Violet can impart a unique floral flavor to syrups, jams, or beverages like tea.
- In potpourri: Dried Sweet Violet flowers can be included in potpourri mixes for a pleasant aroma.
- Crafts: The flowers can be pressed and used in various craft projects, including handmade paper or bookmarks.
- Garden design: Used for its aesthetic appeal to create attractive patterns and borders in garden landscapes.
- Photography: Sweet Violet flowers are popular subjects for macro photography because of their intricate beauty.
- Educational tool: Sweet Violet can be used in schools or educational programs to teach about plant biology and pollination.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe pansy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe pansy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Innocence: Violas often symbolize innocence due to their delicate appearance and gentle color palette.
- Love: The Viola is associated with love, particularly the concept of young love or the tender feelings that might be at the start of a romantic relationship.
- Humility: The small size and unassuming beauty of the Viola lend it an air of modesty, leading it to be connected with the concept of humility.
- Spirituality: Some believe Violas have a spiritual aspect, symbolizing connections with the metaphysical or the divine, possibly due to their namesake's historical use in religious symbolism.
- Remembrance: Violas, particularly because of their use in literature and classical mythology, can be emblems of remembrance and reflection.
WaterCommonly known as pansies, Viola 'Lady Hume Campbell' should be watered deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically occurs once or twice a week depending on weather conditions. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf spot diseases; instead, apply water directly to the base of the plant using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system. Pansies prefer moist soil but not waterlogged conditions, so ensure the plant’s soil has good drainage. On average, using about a gallon of water per square yard per week during the growing season should suffice, adjusting for particularly hot or dry conditions.
LightPansies thrive in areas where they can receive full to partial sunlight, ideally getting at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place Viola 'Lady Hume Campbell' in a spot that is bright without being exposed to harsh afternoon sun, which can be too intense. An east-facing garden bed that gets morning sun is an ideal spot, or beneath high trees where dappled sunlight can penetrate.
TemperaturePansies, including Viola 'Lady Hume Campbell', are cool weather plants that perform best when daytime temperatures are between 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and can tolerate nighttime temperatures down to around 25 degrees Fahrenheit. They can often survive short periods of colder temperatures and frost. Pansies typically struggle in temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit and may require shading during the hottest part of the day.
PruningPrune pansies by deadheading spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. Lightly trim back leggy stems to maintain a compact shape. The best time for pruning is in the late evening or early morning when the temperatures are cooler. Pruning every few weeks during the blooming season can help maintain vigour and prolong the flowering period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Pansy ('Lady Hume Campbell') thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. For best results, mix garden soil with compost and peat moss in equal parts to enhance nutrient content and improve drainage.
RepottingPansies generally do not require frequent repotting. Repot the Pansy ('Lady Hume Campbell') every 1-2 years to replenish the soil and provide space for growing roots.
Humidity & MistingPansies like the 'Lady Hume Campbell' prefer a moderate humidity level; strive to maintain the humidity around 50-60% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use a bright spot, moderate watering, and well-draining soil for Pansies indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Pansies in partial sun with rich soil and even moisture outdoors.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA.
Life cycleThe Lady Hume Campbell viola, like other viola varieties, starts its life as a seed, which germinates in moist, cool soil conditions, typically in spring or fall. Upon germination, seedlings emerge and develop into young plants with a rosette of leaves close to the ground. As the plant matures, it produces distinctive heart-shaped leaves and short upright stems that bear the viola's trademark flowers, which are often blue or purple with a small hint of yellow in the center. Flowering typically occurs in cooler months and can sometimes last through mild winters. After pollination, often by insects, the plant sets seed in small capsules, which when mature, release the seeds to start a new generation. The Lady Hume Campbell viola can also spread vegetatively through runners, producing clonal offshoots that establish new plants nearby.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Propogation: The Viola 'Lady Hume Campbell', commonly known as the English Violet, is typically propagated through division, a popular method of propagation for this plant. Division is best done during the cool periods of spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, making sure to keep the root ball intact. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has several shoots and a healthy portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately into well-prepared soil, placing them at the same depth they were growing previously. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. It's crucial to maintain consistent moisture and to avoid direct sunlight initially to reduce transplant shock.
