15 Popular Types of Pansy Flowers

Pansies are one of the most cheerful and recognisable flowers, known for their bright, expressive "faces." Their incredible diversity, however, goes far beyond the classic look. From their colours and petal textures to their size and shape, there is a pansy for every mood and occasion. 

This guide will explore the most popular and beautiful types of pansy flowers, helping you discover their unique charms and select the perfect blooms to create a stunning floral display in a vase or bouquet.

Understanding Pansy Characteristics

Before diving into the specific varieties, it helps to understand the basic features that distinguish one pansy from another. These characteristics are what give each type its unique personality and appeal, making them suitable for different styles of floral arrangements.

Face Markings: Blotch, Whiskers, and Clear-Faced

The most iconic feature of a pansy is its "face." These markings are generally grouped into three categories. The classic "blotch" pansy has large, dark blocks of colour in the centre of its petals, creating the famous monkey-face look that many of us adore. This is the most traditional and widely recognised style.

Another type features delicate lines that radiate from the centre of the flower, which are fittingly called "whiskers." These markings give the bloom a more subtle and intricate appearance. Finally, there are clear-faced pansies, which have petals of a solid, uniform colour with no markings at all. 

These offer a clean, modern, and elegant look, allowing their pure, vibrant colour to stand out beautifully in a bouquet.

Petal Textures: Smooth and Ruffled

The texture of the petals can dramatically change the flower's overall feel. Most pansies have petals with a smooth, velvety texture that is soft to the touch and creates a classic, clean silhouette.

For a touch of romance and whimsy, some pansy varieties feature beautifully ruffled or frilled petals. These delicate frills along the edges give the flowers a fuller, more luxurious appearance, adding wonderful texture and dimension to any vase arrangement. Varieties like the 'Frizzle Sizzle' series are famous for this charming characteristic, making them a favourite for special occasion bouquets.

Flower Sizes: From Dainty to Giant

Pansies are available in a surprising range of sizes. Some varieties produce small, dainty flowers in great abundance, creating a lush, meadow-like feel. At the other end of the spectrum are the giant or colossus types, which can produce single blooms that are several inches across. 

These large, impressive flowers make a bold statement and are perfect for creating a dramatic centrepiece with just a few stems. The size of the flower can influence the style of your bouquet, from delicate and subtle to big and bold.

15 Popular Types of Pansy Flowers 

With a better understanding of their characteristics, let's explore some of the most popular and enchanting types of pansies available. Each series offers something special, making them a versatile choice for floral enthusiasts.

1. Cool Wave® Series

The Cool Wave® series is renowned for its unique trailing or spreading habit. Unlike traditional pansies that grow upright, these plants cascade beautifully, making them perfect for arrangements where you want a gentle, spilling effect over the side of a vase. 

Their stems are laden with a high number of flowers, creating a full and dynamic look. The blooms themselves are medium-sized and come in a stunning array of colours, including bright yellows, pure whites, and deep blues. Varieties like 'Cool Wave Blue Skies' and 'Cool Wave Raspberry Swirl' add a graceful, flowing element to any floral display.

2. Matrix® Series

The Matrix® series is a florist's favourite for good reason. These pansies are known for their remarkable uniformity and reliability, producing a consistently high number of large, beautiful blooms on sturdy, compact stems. This makes them exceptionally easy to arrange in dense, colourful bouquets where a uniform height is desired. 

The Matrix® series offers a vast colour palette, including unique and striking blends. 'Matrix Morpheus' is a captivating variety with deep purple faces and lighter lavender edges, while 'Matrix Solar Flare' mimics a beautiful sunrise with its blend of red, orange, and yellow.

3. Frizzle Sizzle Series

For those who love texture and a touch of the extraordinary, the Frizzle Sizzle series is an absolute delight. These pansies are defined by their extravagantly ruffled and frilled petals. The frilly edges give each bloom a soft, romantic, and almost lacy appearance, adding incredible texture and volume to bouquets. 

They come in a mix of vibrant colours, from sunny yellows and deep burgundies to soft pastel shades. 'Frizzle Sizzle Raspberry' is particularly lovely, with rich, warm tones that feel both luxurious and whimsical. These flowers are perfect for creating arrangements that are full of character and charm.

4. Colossus® Series

When you want to make a bold and immediate impact, the Colossus® series is the perfect choice. As their name suggests, these pansies are celebrated for their exceptionally large flowers, which can easily reach three to four inches in diameter. 

Because of their impressive size, you only need a few stems to create a full and breathtaking arrangement. The blooms are held high on strong, thick stems, making them ideal for cutting and displaying in a vase. They are available in a wide range of clear, vibrant colours, with 'Colossus Deep Blue with Blotch' being a particularly striking example.

5. Majestic Giants Series

Similar to the Colossus® series, Majestic Giants live up to their name by producing massive flowers that command attention. These pansies are another excellent choice for cut flower arrangements due to their large bloom size and long, sturdy stems that prevent the heavy heads from drooping. 

The series is known for its clear, rich colours and classic pansy faces, which are beautifully displayed on the huge petals. Whether you choose a deep purple, a sunny yellow, or a pure white, Majestic Giants bring a sense of grandeur and presence to any room.

6. Delta® Series

The Delta® series is a true workhorse in the world of pansies. These flowers are prized for their reliability and consistent performance, producing an abundance of blooms throughout their season. They have a neat, uniform habit and strong stems, making them very easy to work with in mixed bouquets. 

The series offers one of the widest colour ranges available, including true blues, vibrant oranges, and soft pinks, many of which feature a lovely contrasting blotch. 'Delta Marina' is famous for its beautiful light blue hue with a dark face, resembling the colours of the sea.

7. Inspire® Plus & DeluXXe Series

If you love the classic, expressive face of a pansy, the Inspire® Plus and DeluXXe series will capture your heart. These varieties are bred to produce extra-large flowers that beautifully showcase the traditional blotch marking. 

The strong stems hold the blooms upright and forward, ensuring their cheerful faces are always on display. This series is known for its spectacular and often artistic colour combinations. 'Inspire Plus Mardi Gras', for instance, features a festive mix of purple, yellow, and white, making it a standout in any arrangement.

8. Swiss Giants™ Series

The Swiss Giants™ series is a timeless classic that has been cherished for generations. As an heirloom variety, it has a certain old-world charm that is simply irresistible. These pansies produce large, velvety flowers on long, strong stems that are perfect for cutting. 

They are most famous for their striking blotch faces set against rich, solid-coloured petals. Notable varieties include the warm and sunny 'Orange Sun' and the elegant 'Silverbride', which features pristine white petals with a deep purple face.

9. Joker Series

The Joker series brings a touch of fun and playfulness to the pansy family. Its most distinctive feature is a beautiful bicolour pattern, where the petals have a contrasting colour on their upper portion, often giving them a jester-hat-like appearance. 

The most famous of these is 'Jolly Joker', with its iconic combination of vibrant orange lower petals and deep purple upper petals. This striking contrast makes them incredibly eye-catching and adds a burst of energy and joy to mixed floral arrangements.

10. Black Accord Pansy

For a truly unique and dramatic statement, the Black Accord pansy is unmatched. While not a true black, its petals are a deep, dark purple that appears almost black, with a velvety, light-absorbing texture. 

These mysterious blooms add a sense of drama, sophistication, and modern elegance to any bouquet. They create a stunning contrast when paired with bright white, sunny yellow, or pale pink flowers, allowing the other colours to pop while providing a rich, dark anchor for the arrangement.

11. Freefall® Series

Similar to the Cool Wave® series, Freefall® pansies were specifically developed for their vigorous trailing habit. They are prolific bloomers, quickly creating a cascade of colour that is perfect for adding a sense of movement and grace to an arrangement. 

If you have a tall vase, allowing a few stems of Freefall® pansies to spill over the edge can create a professionally styled, dynamic look. This series comes in a wonderful range of colours, from bright solids to lovely bicolour mixes.

12. Imperial™ Series

The Imperial™ series is perfect for those who appreciate a softer, more romantic colour palette. These pansies are known for their unique and delicate antique shades, which are not commonly found in other series. 

You can find blooms in shades of soft apricot, creamy yellow, antique rose, and pale lilac. 'Imperial Antique Shades' is a particularly popular mix that brings a gentle, vintage feel to bouquets, making it an excellent choice for weddings or to complement a rustic home decor style.

13. Flamenco Series

The Flamenco series combines two wonderful characteristics: heavily ruffled petals and a warm, rich colour palette. The frilly edges are reminiscent of a flamenco dancer's dress, adding flair and texture. The colours are often warm and earthy, with beautiful veining and shading. 

'Flamenco Terracotta' is a stunning example, featuring shades of orange, red, and yellow with delicate dark whiskers. Many varieties in this series also have a light, sweet fragrance, adding another sensory layer to their appeal.

14. Sorbet® Series

While technically a viola, the Sorbet® series is so closely related to pansies and so popular that it deserves a mention. Violas are often called "mini-pansies" because their flowers are smaller but more numerous. 

The Sorbet® series produces an incredible number of dainty, jewel-like flowers on each stem, creating a carpet of colour. They are perfect for small, delicate arrangements or for adding fine detail to a larger bouquet. 'Sorbet Tiger Eye' is a standout, with golden-yellow petals and intricate dark veining that looks like a work of art.

15. Viola Tricolor

To truly appreciate the modern pansy, it is worth knowing its ancestor, the Viola tricolor. Commonly known as Heartsease or Johnny-Jump-Up, this is the original wild pansy from which all modern varieties were bred. 

Its flowers are small and delicate, featuring the characteristic three colours: purple, yellow, and white. While not as large or flashy as its hybrid descendants, it possesses a simple, rustic charm that is perfect for creating a natural, wildflower-style bouquet.

The Meaning Behind Pansy Colours

Beyond their physical beauty, pansies also carry rich symbolism, with their meaning often tied to their colour. This makes them a thoughtful choice for gifting, as you can convey a specific message through your selection.

• Purple: Purple has long been associated with royalty, dignity, and admiration. A bouquet of purple pansies is a wonderful way to show someone you respect and look up to them.
• Yellow: Like a ray of sunshine, yellow pansies symbolise joy, happiness, and positive energy. They are the perfect flowers to give someone to brighten their day or offer congratulations.
• Blue: Blue pansies represent loyalty, trust, and honesty. They are a beautiful choice for a bouquet for a dear friend or a long-term partner to signify your unwavering devotion.
• White: Symbolising innocence, purity, and spirituality, white pansies are elegant and serene. They are a lovely choice for moments of remembrance or to convey heartfelt sympathy.
• Red/Burgundy: Rich red and deep burgundy pansies speak of passionate love and deep affection. They are a romantic alternative to roses for expressing your love.
• Orange: Orange is a colour of optimism, warmth, and encouragement. Gifting orange pansies can be a wonderful way to wish someone good luck or to lift their spirits.
• Black (Deep Purple): The near-black pansies carry an air of mystery, elegance, and individuality. They are perfect for someone with a unique and sophisticated style.

Conclusion On Types Of Pansy Flowers

From the giant, bold blooms of the Colossus series to the gracefully trailing Cool Wave and the romantically ruffled Frizzle Sizzle, the world of pansies is incredibly diverse. Their astonishing variety in size, colour, facial markings, and shape makes them one of the most versatile flowers for any bouquet or vase arrangement. 

Understanding the different types allows you to select the perfect pansy to express a specific feeling, match a home's decor, or simply to bring a cheerful splash of colour indoors. 

Whether you prefer classic charm or modern elegance, there is a pansy that is sure to capture your heart. If you have any questions or would like to order a beautiful bouquet, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Visit Singapore Florist to find beautiful flowers and bouquets for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types Of Pansy Flowers

What Is The Most Popular Pansy?

While popularity can vary, the Matrix® and Cool Wave® series are consistently among the most popular pansy types. The Matrix® series is highly regarded for its reliability, uniform growth, and wide range of vibrant colours, making it a dependable choice for florists and enthusiasts. 

The Cool Wave® series is loved for its unique trailing habit, which adds a graceful, cascading element to arrangements. In terms of appearance, the classic blotch or "faced" pansy remains the most iconic and widely recognised type.

What Are The Different Types Of Pansies?

Pansies can be grouped into several different types based on their characteristics. The main categories include their face markings (blotch, clear-faced, or whisker), their petal texture (smooth or ruffled), and their growth habit (upright or trailing). 

Many popular varieties are sold as a series, which is a group of plants with similar characteristics but different colours. Some well-known series include Colossus® for giant flowers, Frizzle Sizzle for ruffled petals, and Cool Wave® for their trailing habit.

How Many Different Colours Of Pansies Are There?

Pansies are available in nearly every colour of the rainbow. You can find them in shades of purple, blue, yellow, orange, red, pink, and white. Many varieties are also bicoloured or tricoloured, featuring beautiful combinations of colours on a single bloom. There are even pansies that are such a deep, dark purple that they appear almost black, adding a dramatic touch to the vast colour palette.

What Is The Prettiest Pansy?

Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, so the "prettiest" pansy depends entirely on personal preference. Some people are drawn to the intricate and romantic frills of the Frizzle Sizzle or Flamenco series. 

Others may find the large, bold, and cheerful faces of the Majestic Giants or Colossus series to be the most beautiful. For those who love a softer, more delicate look, the antique pastel shades of the Imperial™ series might be the prettiest. Each type has its own unique charm.

What Is The Difference Between A Pansy And A Viola?

Pansies and violas are very closely related, but there are a few key differences. The most noticeable difference is the flower size; pansies generally have much larger flowers, while violas have smaller, more delicate blooms. 

However, violas typically produce a greater number of flowers per plant. A more technical difference lies in the petal arrangement: pansies have four petals pointing upwards and one pointing downwards, whereas violas have two petals pointing up and three pointing down.

Are There Trailing Pansies?

Yes, absolutely. In the past, all pansies grew in an upright clump, but plant breeders have developed wonderful trailing varieties. Series like Cool Wave®, Freefall®, and WonderFall® were specifically bred to have a spreading or cascading growth habit. 

Their stems grow outwards and downwards, making them ideal for arrangements where you want flowers to spill gracefully over the edge of a vase, creating a beautiful and dynamic look.