Pansy Viola 'Marie-louise' (dPVt)
ABOUT
Viola 'Marie-louise' is an attractive perennial plant, commonly known as pansy, that is admired for its charming and vibrant flowers. The blooms of this cultivar feature a captivating blend of colors, often with upper petals displaying a rich, deep purple hue, while the lower ones may present a softer shade or even a contrasting color, such as white or yellow. The central area of the flowers, or the "face," typically has a dark spot or blotch that adds to its unique look. The petals have a delicate, velvety texture and are rounded, sometimes with a slight ruffle at the edges, giving them a gentle, welcoming appearance. The pansy's foliage forms a lush backdrop for the striking flowers. The leaves are medium green in color and have a rounded to heart-shaped form with slightly serrated edges, contributing to the plant's overall lush appearance. The foliage arrangement creates a dense, mounding habit that cradles the flowers, allowing their colors to stand out beautifully against the greenery. When in full bloom, Viola 'Marie-louise' presents a harmonious display of color and texture that can liven up any garden setting or container arrangement.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Marie-Louise Double Pansy, Marie Louise Violet.
Common names
Viola 'Marie-louise'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Viola 'Marie-louise' is Pansy. Pansies are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, it is important to note that eating any non-food plant material may cause some degree of digestive discomfort, and individual sensitivities to plants can vary. If significant quantities of the plant were ingested, mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea could potentially occur. It is always recommended to avoid ingesting plants that are not explicitly intended for consumption.
To pets
The common name for Viola 'Marie-louise' is Pansy. Pansies are generally considered non-toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. While they are not likely to cause serious harm if ingested, as with humans, individual animals can have different sensitivities, and consumption of non-food plant material could lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting or diarrhea. It is recommended to discourage pets from eating any plants not specifically intended as pet food to prevent any possible discomfort or adverse reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
10 inches (25 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Viola 'Marie-Louise' offers attractive blooms that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being easy to care for, making it ideal for novice gardeners.
- Extended Blooming Season: With care, these violas can have a long flowering period, providing color for much of the year.
- Compact Growth: Its small and compact growth habit makes it suitable for borders, containers, and small gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract butterflies and bees, supporting local ecosystems.
- Variety of Colors: The plant comes in a variety of colors, providing options for different garden color schemes.
- Cold Tolerant: Violas are cold-hardy plants, capable of withstanding cooler temperatures.
- Multipurpose Use: They can be used in flower beds, as ground cover, or in containers and hanging baskets.
- Edible Flowers: The blooms are edible and can be used to garnish or add color to salads and desserts.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Viola 'Marie-Louise' can be used in perfumery as its delicate scent can contribute to the fragrance palette, particularly in creating floral perfumes.
- The petals of the pansy can be crystallized and used as edible decorations on cakes, desserts, or as a fancy garnish for salads.
- Pansy flower essence is used in aromatherapy and holistic wellness practices for its supposed emotional and energetic properties.
- Artists and crafters may use the distinctive flower pattern of pansies in pressed flower art, creating bookmarks, greeting cards, or framed botanical art.
- Pansies can be used as a natural dye for fabrics or textiles, yielding colors ranging from green to yellow, depending on the mordant used.
- The flowers can serve as an inspiration in interior design, influencing patterns and motifs for fabrics, wallpaper, and home accessories.
- Dried pansy flowers are often included in potpourri mixes for their color and mild fragrance, contributing to the aesthetic mix.
- In educational settings, the pansy can be used to teach children about plant biology, lifecycle, and the environment, owing to their easy cultivation and vivid colors.
- Photographers and artists might employ the pansy as a subject to study the interplay of light and colors or to practice macro photography skills.
- Culinary enthusiasts might use the flowers as inspiration for flavors, creating unique dishes or cocktails that play off the subtle taste of pansies.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Pansy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Pansy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Humble Charm: Common pansies, such as Viola 'Marie-louise,' are often associated with humility and modest beauty; their simple yet appealing form suggests unassuming elegance.
- Love and Admiration: Pansies are frequently seen as a symbol of love and admiration. The name "pansy" is derived from the French word "pensée," meaning "thought," and is often given to symbolize thoughtful love or remembrance.
- Remembrance and Memories: The pansy has a longstanding connection with remembrance or memories, making it a common flower for memorials or to give in remembrance of a loved one or an important event.
- Free Thinking: Due to its etymological link to "thought," the pansy also symbolizes free thinking and consideration. It can be a symbol of someone who values their own thoughts or who encourages free thinking in others.
WaterPansies, including the Viola 'Marie-louise', prefer consistently moist soil but they should not be over-watered. It is important to water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Watering should be done at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. Typically, watering once a week with about half a gallon per square foot should be sufficient, but this may need to be increased to twice a week during periods of drought or high temperatures.
LightThe best light condition for Pansies is full to partial sun. Hence, place Viola 'Marie-louise' in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. They can also thrive in partial shade, especially in regions with very hot summers.
TemperaturePansies like Viola 'Marie-louise' perform best in cool temperatures with the ideal range being between 40°F and 60°F. They can withstand a frost and will survive in temperatures as low as 20°F. However, temperatures above 80°F can cause the plant to become leggy and reduce flowering.
PruningPansies, like the Viola 'Marie-louise', benefit from deadheading, which means removing spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Prune back leggy stems in the spring or autumn to maintain a compact shape and rejuvenate the plant. This should be done as needed throughout the blooming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPansies prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The best mix includes loamy soil amended with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve nutrient content and soil structure.
RepottingPansies, including the Viola 'Marie-Louise', typically do not require frequent repotting as they are often grown as annuals or biennials. Repotting every year or when plants outgrow their containers is generally sufficient.
Humidity & MistingPansies thrive in average outdoor humidity levels; indoor conditions should mimic this. They do not require high humidity and do well in the natural fluctuating humidity of the outdoor environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide partial sun, cool temperatures, and moist, well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun, enriched soil, water regularly, protect from hot sun.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleViola 'Marie-Louise', commonly known as the Pansy, begins its life as a seed, which upon germination, sprouts into a seedling with a basic root system and cotyledons for initial nutrition. The seedling then grows into a juvenile plant, developing true leaves and a more complex root system. As it matures, it enters the vegetative growth stage, where the foliage becomes denser, and the plant increases in size and strength. Following vegetative growth, the Pansy enters the flowering stage, characterized by the development of distinctive, colorful blooms which can be purple, blue, and often have a dual or "face" pattern. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds, allowing for the cycle to begin anew. Finally, as an annual or short-lived perennial, the Pansy completes its life cycle within one or two growing seasons, after which it senesces and dies, leaving seeds to propagate the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method for propagating Viola 'Marie-Louise', which is often referred to as pansy, is through seed sowing. This is ideally done in late winter or early spring to allow for a full growing season. Sow the seeds in a tray of moist seed-starting mix, barely covering them with the substrate as pansy seeds need light to germinate. Keep the tray in a bright location, with temperatures around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius), and maintain consistent moisture. Germination typically occurs within 10 to 21 days. Once seedlings have developed a couple of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden at a spacing of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart.
