Kelly Bowie
If theres any flower thats been unfairly typecast in recent decades, its thepansy.
Brenna Estradaruns a Washington state flower farm, Three Brothers Blooms, where she grows hundreds of pansies.
She’s also the author of the new book, Pansies.
Credit:Kelly Bowie
‘Flamenco Terracotta’ Pansy
Imagine ‘Chianti Mix’ on overdrive and you have ‘Flamenco Terracotta’.
Plus, she says, “the intricate veining is exceptional” and it has a lovely fragrance.
Its flowers can grow to a little over 2 inches wide and stems average 20 inches tall.
Credit:Kelly Bowie
The key to ensuring the best bloom on your pansy is supporting strong roots.
To do this, Estrada recommendsslow, deep morning wateringand frequent flower removal.
The most reliable variety she’s grown from seed, it reaches on average 24 inches tallperfect for cutting.
Credit:Kelly Bowie
Expect blooms around an inch or so wide on 18-inch-tall stems.
Pansy vs. Viola
The term “pansy” and “viola” are often used interchangeably.
To clear things up: All pansies are violas, but not all violas are pansies.
Credit:Kelly Bowie
Both are members of the botanical familyViolaceae.
Flowers reach a little over an inch wide on 14-inch stems.
Stems reach around 16 inches, topped with flowers that are an inch or so wide.
Credit:Kelly Bowie
‘Black Prince’ Pansy
Estrada says this variety ties with ‘Accord’ for her favorite black pansy.
How can you not love it?"
It has flowers up to 2 inches wide on 22-inch-tall stems.
Credit:Kelly Bowie
Estrada’s favorite online seed sources include Johnny’s Selected Seeds and Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds.
She also plans to begin selling select favorites on her own website, Three Brothers Blooms.
Credits
All photos taken fromPansies Copyright 2025 by Brenna Estrada, photographs by Kelly Bowie.
Credit:Kelly Bowie
Published by Timber Press, Portland, OR.
Used by permission of the publisher.
Credit:Kelly Bowie
Credit:Kelly Bowie
Credit:Kelly Bowie
Credit:Kelly Bowie
Credit:Kelly Bowie
