To the new gardener, planting pansies now may seem like a futile effort considering that the first frosts of fall are looming on the horizon.  Despite their name, pansies are a hardy plant that can thrive in seemingly sub-arctic temperatures.  Pansies also have a rich history.  Here are some amazing pansy facts:

• Pansies are a hybrid plant derived from the viola species viola tricolor.
• Originated in the early 1800s when it was first bred by William Richard, gardener to Lady Mary Elizabeth Bennet (no relation to the fictional character in Pride and Prejudice).
• By 1833, there were 400 named pansy varieties available to gardeners who once considered its progenitor, heartsease, a weed.
• The name pansy is derived from the French word pensée (thought) because the flower resembles the face of a person in deep thought.
• Other names for the pansy include: heartsease (heart's-ease), love in idleness, and flower of Jove.
• Pansies are sometimes called the "Herb Trinity," with its three colorful petals symbolizing the Holy Trinity.
• Pansies are naturally a biennial, only blooming in their second year, but modern engineered varieties bloom during the first year (usually within 9 weeks).

By following these basic steps, your pansies can survive the winter and bloom again in the spring:

• Plant in foundation beds in protected areas facing east and north.
• In most cases pansies are hardy to -10 F.
• Fertilizer initially and water throughout the dry fall season, discontinue after a hard freeze.
• Pansies may appear dormant until the growing season (March through late May).
• Pansies are not recommended in areas without protection or in unprotected containers.  Root balls tend to freeze in shallow setting.  Mulching may help to insulate until the spring season.
• Continuous freezing and thawing of the root balls can actually force them up and out of their holes if not properly planted.