Pansies arrive in the depths of winter when color has nearly vanished from the garden, and they laugh at cold snaps that would kill tender annuals. Plant them in fall through early winter for blooms that last straight through to spring.

They want decent drainage and at least a few hours of direct light each day; neglect feeds leggy growth. Deadhead the spent flowers to push more color, or let them sprawl loosely in borders and containers for an easy, naturalized look.