Blooming Today: Pansy 'Plentifall'

Pansy 'Plentifall' will trail over the edge of your autumn containers and go non-stop through the coldest winter temperatures the Carolinas ever see, surviving even sub-zero temperatures.  Purple isn't the easiest color to work into a fall color scheme, but I like how the tiny yellow centers of these purple blooms subtly echo the fallen willow oak and elm leaves around their pot.  If you prefer, white, yellow, or blue 'Plentifall' pansies are available.  Whichever color you choose, the sight of a fresh flower just outside your door during fall and winter is a real mood lifter.

Pansies are edible, too, but protect them from deer who also love to eat them.  Mine are in containers near the house which helps quite a bit.  Pansy Flower Recipes  is a comprehensive Squidoo lens with some very creative ways to use pansies in recipes, if you decide to try eating yours.  The Culinary Violet is packed full of Viola-munching info, too.  You don't have to make a fancy recipe, though.  It's simple enough to throw them into a salad and you will be adding cheerful color and a healthy dose of vitamin C as you do.