How much cold these garden favorites will survive depends on your specific climate and growing conditions.
Winter Pansies
Some pansy varieties are known as Ice orWinter pansiesand are set out in autumn.
What Temperature Will Kill Pansies?
v_zaitsev / Getty Images
Both soil and air temperature affect pansy health.
Other growing conditions play a role in determining how much cold they can survive.
Frozen soil and drying winter winds are factors contributing to plant loss.
For bedding plants, choose a southeast location that receives plenty of morning sun.
Cold overnight temperatures may cause plants to droop but warmth from winter sun perks them up again.
Buildings, stone walls, and foundation shrubs protect from cold, desiccating winds.
A thick layer of straw mulch retains moisture to help roots sustain cold soil.
Cold air is less likely to cause dieback than extended periods of frozen ground.
Winter pansies can sometimes revive even when frozen solid.
Frozen soil affects the roots' ability to take up water and nutrients.
When starved too long plants eventually die.
Some spring-planted types rebloom in autumn once temperatures drop into the 60F range during the day with cooler nights.
These ‘volunteers’ lack vigor and are usually short-lived.
How Do You Revive Pansies After Frost?
Heavy frosts cause flowers to wilt and foliage to take on a grayish, wilted appearance.
Remove damaged flowers and foliage that’s turned mushy or black.
verify the soil is kept moist and prune back lightly at first.
Move potted plants to a location that receives bright morning sun and feed with a fertilizer high in phosphorous.
