Pansy flowers mean more than just seasonal beauty. They carry personality, charm, and history in every bloom. But with so many varieties and names, choosing the right one can be confusing. You might spot a stunning flower at the nursery and wonder if it will thrive in your space or match your garden style.
Different flower colours can make it even trickier. Some varieties appear bold and striking, while others lean soft and delicate. Without a clear understanding of what sets each one apart, it’s easy to choose something that doesn’t quite fit your space or style.
This article helps you make sense of it all. You’ll discover how pansy types differ in face patterns, bloom sizes, colours, and growth habits, so you can pick the ones that match your space, climate, and creative vision.
Types of Pansy Flowers and Their Unique Features
1. Blotch (Monkey Face)
Blotch pansies, also known as monkey face pansies, have dark, rounded centres that look like little faces. These markings often resemble eyes and a mouth, giving the flower a playful and expressive appearance.
This is one of the most recognisable pansy types, often seen in deep purple, maroon, or black tones. They’re perfect for garden borders, beds, and window boxes where their cheerful “faces” can be appreciated up close.
2. Viva La Violet
Viva La Violet is a large-flowered pansy with rich purple petals, creamy white edges, and bright yellow centres. It belongs to the Mammoth series, which is known for producing big, bold blooms.
Perfect for cool seasons, this variety has a compact shape and blooms generously, making it ideal for garden beds or patio pots.
3. Flirty Skirts
Flirty Skirts pansies feature layers of frilled petals that give them a ruffled, almost tutu-like appearance. They often come in soft pastel shades that feel romantic and delicate.
These pansy types are popular in containers and make excellent choices for decorative arrangements where texture is key.
4. Ballerina
Ballerina pansies are all about elegance. With their soft colours and frilly edges, they resemble a ballerina’s tutu in bloom.
They’re a favourite for adding a vintage, antique feel to flower beds and look especially stunning when paired with soft greens and whites.
5. Waterfall
Waterfall pansies are trailing varieties with blooms in cool shades of blue, purple, and white. As the name suggests, they flow beautifully over the edges of baskets and containers.
They grow low and wide, making them perfect for hanging displays or balcony boxes where their cascading habit can shine.
6. Moulin Rouge
Moulin Rouge pansies are bold and artistic, featuring ruffled petals in rich jewel tones like red, violet, yellow, and cream. These two-and-a-half-inch flowers bring drama to any space.
With their compact shape and layered look, they’re great for both formal borders and standout container displays.
7. Mariposa Peach
Mariposa Peach is a soft, watercolour-style pansy with warm peach, yellow, and lavender hues. It offers a dreamy look with subtle, antique vibes.
This type of pansy works well in calm, themed gardens and pairs beautifully with white or silver foliage.
8. Ultima Morpho
Ultima Morpho is a whiskered pansy with blue outer petals, yellow centres, and striking dark lines. It’s compact, usually around six inches tall, and blooms in cooler weather.
These pansy types are award-winners and stand out in small beds, planters, or even window boxes.
9. Matrix Solar Flare
Matrix Solar Flare pansies have large blooms in fiery shades of orange, red, and yellow, blending like a sunset. Part of the Matrix series, they handle both heat and cold well.
They’re ideal for spring or fall planting, especially when you want colour that truly glows in the sun.
10. Cool Wave White
Cool Wave White is a trailing pansy with clean, bright white petals. It spreads beautifully in hanging baskets and window boxes without needing much maintenance.
As one of the most reliable pansy types for trailing displays, it adds a crisp, fresh look to any space and blooms well through cool seasons.
11. Blue Skies
Blue Skies pansies offer delicate light purple petals with yellow centres and fine purple whiskers. They belong to the Cool Wave® trailing series.
This is one of the best trailing pansy types for hanging baskets, offering colour from spring to fall.
12. Dynamite Blotch
Dynamite Blotch features large flowers with bright petals and deep, dramatic blotches in the centre. Each flower feels bold and expressive.
If you're after striking pansy types that really stand out, Dynamite Blotch is a solid choice.
13. Inspire Plus Mardi Gras
Inspire Plus Mardi Gras pansies are full of lively colour — purples, oranges, and golds that feel festive and eye-catching. They’re bred to bloom in cooler seasons, especially fall.
This pansy type is great for anyone who wants an energetic mix of colour in compact beds or planters.
14. Cool Wave Blueberry Swirl
Cool Wave Blueberry Swirl features trailing blooms in soft shades of lavender, white, and pale yellow. The colours resemble a swirl of blueberry yoghurt or ice cream.
As a trailing type, it works well in baskets, edging, or pots where its cool tones can cascade beautifully.
15. Delta Rose Surprise
Delta Rose Surprise pansies offer a unique surprise with each bloom. You’ll find petals in rosy shades blended with whites, purples, or yellows — no two look exactly alike.
They’re great for gardeners who enjoy a mix of colours without having to plant multiple varieties.
16. Nature Orange
Nature Orange is a bright, warm pansy with petals that closely resemble the glow of California poppies. It’s compact and cheerful.
This is one of the types of pansies that works well in both beds and containers, especially in sunny spots.
17. Inspire Deluxe Mulberry
Inspire Deluxxe Mulberry pansies come in rich purple and magenta tones, often with darker blotches or soft edging. They are designed to be hardy in both cold and warm climates.
These pansy types are ideal for long-lasting seasonal colour in high-traffic garden spots.
18. Wonderfall Yellow With Red Wing
Wonderfall Yellow With Red Wing is a standout trailing variety with golden petals and deep red accents at the centre. It really lives up to the “winged” name.
Perfect for hanging baskets, this type of pansy brings bold, sunny energy to fall and spring displays.
19. Colossus Yellow With Blotch
Colossus Yellow With Blotch is a giant-blooming pansy with sunny yellow petals and a deep brown centre. Its large size makes it easy to spot from a distance.
This pansy type handles warm climates better than most and fills in garden beds quickly with colour.
20. Mammoth Glamarama White
Mammoth Glamarama White is a showy pansy with large, bright white blooms. It belongs to a series known for oversized flowers and strong performance in cool seasons.
Ideal for pots or mixed arrangements, this type of pansy offers a clean, elegant look and works well as a filler or feature.
21. Frizzle Sizzle Raspberry
Frizzle Sizzle Raspberry is a ruffled pansy with bold raspberry and purple tones, often accented by soft yellow. The frilly petals give it a textured, almost fancy look.
This pansy type thrives in cooler weather, where its ruffles become more pronounced, making it a favourite for spring or fall gardens.
22. Jolly Joker
Jolly Joker pansies have vivid orange petals with deep purple blotches — a playful and bold contrast. Their nickname fits perfectly thanks to their lively appearance.
Among the more striking pansy types, they’re great for adding fun and energy to flower beds or containers.
23. Inspire Purple With Orange
Inspire Purple With Orange features vibrant petals with deep purple tones and warm orange centres. The blend is unexpected but works beautifully.
Compact and weather-tolerant, this type of pansy is ideal for eye-catching combos in mixed displays.
24. Halloween II
Halloween II is a dark, all-black pansy that brings dramatic flair to any garden. It grows up to a foot tall and handles colder temperatures well.
If you're looking for moody or gothic pansy types, this one is a standout in both colour and form.
25. Cool Wave Sunshine ‘n Wine
Cool Wave Sunshine ‘n Wine combines yellow petals with rich maroon accents, creating a cosy, wine-toned blend. It spreads up to 30 inches if given space.
This trailing pansy type is perfect for overflowing baskets or long garden borders.
26. Desiderio Tricolour Orchid
Desiderio Tricolour Orchid offers a tri-colored bloom with soft purple, white, and yellow hues. Its seeds germinate quickly, often within just a few days.
For anyone starting from seed, this is one of the easiest pansy types to grow and enjoy early.
27. Freefall XL Victoriana
Freefall XL Victoriana is a trailing pansy with delicate blooms in soft vintage shades. It spreads nicely without becoming messy.
This type of pansy is great for clean, elegant hanging baskets or neat container gardens.
28. Chalon Supreme
Chalon Supreme pansies are known for their elaborate ruffles and vibrant multi-color petals. They’re bold, textured, and impossible to miss.
This is one of the most visually stunning pansy types, especially when used as a focal point in spring arrangements.
29. Horned Pansy Angel Amber Kiss
Horned Pansy Angel Amber Kiss has bright orange petals with a compact form and loads of blooms. It’s an F1 hybrid, bred for reliable colour.
This cheerful type of pansy performs well in containers and brings warmth to any outdoor space.
30. Tiger Eye Red
Tiger Eye Red pansies are deep red blooms with golden yellow veins that resemble a tiger’s eye. Their pattern is one of the most unique among pansy types.
They bloom through summer and are perfect for gardeners looking to grow something visually different.
32. Alba Minor
Alba Minor pansies are small, delicate blooms with soft white petals and a clean, minimal look. Their subtle beauty makes them perfect for adding balance to colourful arrangements.
This is one of the quieter pansy types, ideal for anyone who prefers a softer, calming floral style.
31. Orange Sun
Orange Sun pansies are bright, single-colour blooms in rich, peachy orange. They come from the Swiss Giants™ series, known for large flowers.
Use this pansy type to brighten up garden beds or add warmth to container displays.
33. Blue Mood
Blue Mood pansies feature dreamy, cool-toned petals in shades of sky blue and soft violet. They carry a gentle, peaceful vibe.
As one of the more soothing types of pansy, they work beautifully in containers, borders, or serene garden spots.
34. Bowles Black
Bowles Black has deep purple petals so dark they appear black, especially in shade. Their velvety texture adds even more richness.
These dramatic pansy types are great for pairing with lighter flowers or creating bold contrast in your garden.
35. Delta Marina
Delta Marina pansies are cool-weather bloomers with blue and white petals and a soft yellow centre. They’re part of the Delta series, known for resilience.
This type of pansy bounces back quickly after cold spells, making it great for early spring or late fall displays.
36. Adonis
Adonis pansies are compact and known for their ability to bloom almost year-round in the right conditions. The blooms are usually bright and cheerful in tone.
For gardeners who want long-lasting performance, this is one of the most reliable pansy types to grow.
37. Swiss Giants Mix
Swiss Giants Mix includes large, four-inch pansy blooms in a mix of solid, bicolour, and blotch-faced types. Colours often include violet, yellow, white, and lavender.
It’s one of the most popular and versatile pansy types for full-season colour in flower beds or pots.
38. Etain Voila
Etain Voila is a fragrant pansy with pale lavender petals edged in soft yellow. Its scent is mild but adds a nice bonus for those who enjoy scented blooms.
This is a lovely option among pansy types for walkways or places where you’ll pass by and enjoy the fragrance up close.
39. Frosted Chocolate
Frosted Chocolate pansies have warm, cocoa-toned petals with soft frosting-like highlights. The colouring is truly one-of-a-kind.
This type of pansy is a conversation starter, and it looks especially charming in dessert-themed planters or autumn displays.
40. Molly Sanderson
Molly Sanderson is a compact black pansy, known for its solid, velvety petals and neat growing habit. It stays tidy no matter how closely it’s planted.
As one of the few all-black pansy types, it adds instant elegance and contrast to gardens or pots.
41. Rose Wing Sorbet
Rose Wing Sorbet pansies have soft rose-colored petals with deep accents near the centre. Their colours become richer in cooler weather.
As a cold-friendly type of pansy, it’s a lovely addition to autumn gardens or early spring plantings.
42. Lemonberry Frizzle Sizzle
Lemonberry Frizzle Sizzle pansies have ruffled petals in lemon-yellow and berry-pink shades. The colour combo is vibrant yet elegant.
With its frilly texture and bold contrast, this pansy type works beautifully in spring containers and flower beds.
43. Whopping Purple Whiskers
Whopping Purple Whiskers pansies have huge blooms with deep purple veins that radiate from the centre like whiskers. The flowers can grow nearly as wide as your hand.
This is one of the most eye-catching types of pansy, perfect for making a bold statement in any garden.
44. Black Accord
Black Accord pansies have rich, velvety petals so dark they almost look black. They’re dramatic, bold, and stand out against lighter flowers.
These types of pansies are perfect if you want contrast or a modern, moody touch in your garden design.
45. Frost
Frost pansies feature pale lavender to icy blue petals with dark whiskers radiating from the centre. Their look is soft and a bit mysterious.
They’re compact, trailing, and a great option for early-season displays when cooler tones shine.
46. Ocean Breeze Mix
Ocean Breeze Mix pansies include purple, lavender, and white blooms, often with tricolour blends and yellow centres. Their shades feel cool and refreshing.
As one of the more calming types of pansy, they’re ideal for spring beds or pastel-themed arrangements.
47. Pastel Mix
Pastel Mix pansies include soft shades like pink, cream, light purple, and yellow. Some have clear faces, while others show gentle whiskers.
These trailing pansy types are perfect for a romantic, subtle look in baskets or soft-toned flower beds.
48. Pure Golden Yellow
Pure Golden Yellow pansies are solid yellow blooms with no markings. They’re cheerful, clean, and edible too if grown without chemicals.
This type of pansy adds brightness to gardens and also works well as a fresh garnish on baked goods or salads.
49. Raspberry Swirl
Raspberry Swirl pansies combine rose pink and yellow tones with whiskers and blotches, offering a charming “ice cream” look. They trail and spread well.
This is one of the fastest-blooming pansy types and does especially well in hanging baskets or ground covers.
50. Ruby Mix
Ruby Mix includes a blend of pansies in shades of rose, magenta, yellow, and lavender. Some have clear faces, others have blotches.
This type of pansy is ideal for gardeners who want a painterly mix of colours that blend well in mass plantings or containers.
51. Sunrise
Sunrise pansies bloom in layers of soft yellows and peach with slight ruffling. No two flowers look exactly alike, giving them a hand-painted feel.
This type of pansy is cheerful and romantic, ideal for morning gardens or as a fresh bouquet accent.
How to Identify Different Types of Pansy Flowers
With so many pansy types available today, it helps to know how to tell them apart by their appearance. From petal patterns to plant shapes, each type brings something unique. Here's how to recognise the most common types of pansy flowers.
Clear-Faced vs. Blotch-Faced vs. Whiskered
These terms refer to the patterns on the petals:
- Clear-faced pansies have one solid colour with no markings. They are simple, clean, and calming.
- Blotch-faced pansies, often called “monkey face,” have a dark centre that looks like a face. This is one of the most recognisable pansy types.
- Whiskered pansies have thin, dark lines that stretch out from the centre, giving a soft, textured look.
Frilled, Ruffled, and Semi-Double Blooms
Pansy petals don’t all look the same. Some are smooth while others have more detail and texture.
- Frilled and ruffled pansies have wavy or curled edges, like the Frizzle Sizzle series.
- Semi-double blooms have extra layers of petals that make them appear fuller and more rounded.
These types of pansies are especially eye-catching in containers or small arrangements.
Giant, Medium, and Multiflora Sizes
Pansy types can be grouped by flower size:
- Giant pansies like the Colossus series can reach up to four inches across.
- Medium pansies range between two to three inches.
- Multiflora pansies produce smaller, one to two-inch flowers in greater numbers.
Choosing the size depends on how bold or subtle you want your garden display to be.
Mounding vs. Trailing Growth Habit
How a pansy grows affects where you can best use it.
- Mounding pansies grow in compact, rounded clumps and are ideal for beds and borders.
- Trailing pansies such as Cool Wave varieties spread out and flow nicely over the edges of baskets or containers.
Knowing the growth habit helps you pick the right pansy type for your space.
Which Pansy to Choose For Your Garden Goals
Hanging Baskets and Window Boxes
Look for trailing pansy types like Cool Wave White, Blueberry Swirl, or Wonderfall Yellow With Red Wing. These varieties spread outward and gently drape over edges.
They bloom generously and don’t require much pinching, which makes them ideal for hanging displays.
Garden Borders or Mass Plantings
For bold colour across larger areas, choose Swiss Giants Mix, Matrix Solar Flare, or Ruby Mix. These pansies offer wide coverage with big, vibrant blooms.
Stick with mounding pansy types here. They stay tidy and fill in garden beds quickly.
Edible Flowers for Salads or Desserts
Go for Pure Golden Yellow, Frosted Chocolate, or Etain Voila. These pansies are not only beautiful but also edible when grown without pesticides.
Their soft petals and cheerful colours make them a charming touch on cakes, drinks, or salads.
Cold Winters or Frosty Climates
If you’re planting in chilly areas, pick cold-hardy types like Cool Wave White, Delta Marina, Four Seasons, or Jolly Joker.
These pansy types hold up well to frost and can even survive brief dips in freezing temperatures.
Hot Weather or Sunny Locations
Heat-tolerant pansies include the Matrix series, Heat Elite Scarlet Shade, and Colossus Yellow With Blotch.
These varieties handle warmer temperatures without wilting too quickly, making them suitable for sunny patios or exposed beds.
Small Spaces or Container Gardens
For compact spots, choose tidy growers like Molly Sanderson, Ultima Morpho, or Neon Violet. They won’t take over the pot but still offer vibrant colour.
These types of pansies are also great for decorating balconies or narrow ledges.
Cutting and Floral Arrangements
If you enjoy indoor vases or bouquets, go for Moulin Rouge, Viva La Violet, or Chalon Supreme. These pansies have strong stems and large, eye-catching blooms.
Cut them early in the morning for the longest vase life and freshest appearance.
Rare, Antique, and Exotic Pansy Varieties to Try
Some pansy types go beyond the usual colours and shapes. If you're looking to grow something special or a bit unexpected, these rare and exotic varieties are worth exploring.
All-Black and Deep Purple Pansies
Pansies like Molly Sanderson, Bowles Black, and Halloween II offer petals so dark they appear black in most lighting. Others, like Black Accord, lean toward velvety deep purple.
These dramatic pansy types add bold contrast to lighter flowers and look especially striking in modern garden designs.
Watercolour and Antique-Toned Blooms
If you prefer softer, vintage-inspired colours, look for varieties like Mariposa Peach, Panola, Ballerina, or Etain Voila. These flowers have gentle blends of pastels that resemble watercolour paintings.
These antique-style types of pansy bring a calm, romantic feel to beds or containers.
Unusual Patterns and Multi-Colour Faces
For truly unique blooms, consider Tiger Eye Red with its golden veining, Delta Rose Surprise for its unpredictable petal blends, or Inspire Plus Mardi Gras with bold, festive colouring.
These pansy types are great for gardeners who enjoy bold visuals and one-of-a-kind displays.
Conclusion About Pansy Flower Types
Pansies may be small, but they offer an incredible range of colours, sizes, and patterns to suit every gardener’s vision. From bold blotched faces to delicate watercolour blooms, the variety of pansy types available today is both beautiful and rewarding to grow.
You can choose pansies for hanging baskets, cool-season borders, edible displays, or compact pots. With so many types of pansies available, it’s easy to find the right one for your garden goals.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pansy Flower Types
What Is The Most Common Type Of Pansy?
Blotch-faced pansies, also called "monkey face" pansies, are the most popular and widely recognised type.
Which Pansy Types Bloom The Longest?
Cool Wave, Delta, and Matrix series are known for their extended blooming period, especially in cool weather.
How Many Types Of Pansy Flowers Are There?
There are hundreds of pansy types, with new hybrids added regularly, ranging in colour, size, and growth habit.
What Is The Difference Between Pansies And Violas?
Pansies usually have larger blooms and fewer flowers per plant, while violas are smaller but bloom more abundantly.
Can Pansy Flowers Survive Frost?
Yes, many pansy types are frost-tolerant and can survive light freezes, especially cold-hardy varieties like Cool Wave.
Are Pansy Flowers Edible?
Yes, pansies are edible and often used to decorate salads and desserts, but only if grown without chemicals.
What Are The Best Pansy Types For Hanging Baskets?
Trailing pansy types like Cool Wave, Wonderfall, and Freefall series are ideal for hanging baskets.
Do Pansy Types Grow Well In Pots?
Yes, most pansy types thrive in containers as long as they get sunlight and well-drained soil.
Which Pansy Types Handle Heat Best?
Matrix, Heat Elite, and Colossus pansies are bred for better performance in warmer climates.
