Johnny Jump-ups

Scientific Name: Viola tricolor

Common Names: Johnny Jump Ups, Heartsease, Wild Pansy

Native to: Native to Europe and parts of Asia

Lighting Requirements: Full sun to partial shade. Johnny Jump Ups prefer full sun for the best flowering but can tolerate some shade, especially in warmer climates.

Height: 6 to 9 inches

Width: 6 to 12 inches 

Winter Look: Typically grown as an annual. They can last into spring and even summer if they don't get too hot.

Seasonal Interest: Fall, Winter, Spring

Drought Tolerance: Moderate. While Johnny Jump Ups can tolerate short periods of drought, they perform best with regular watering, especially in hot weather.

Soil Requirements: Well-draining, moist, fertile soil, rich in organic matter

pH Range: 6.0 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6 to 9 

Deer Resistance: Low. Deer may occasionally feed on Johnny Jump Ups, especially in the absence of other food sources.

Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Potential Issues: Susceptible to aphids, slugs, and snails. Can also experience fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew or downy mildew, in humid conditions.

Notes: Johnny Jump Ups are a type of small, hardy pansy known for their cheerful, colorful flowers in shades of purple, yellow, white, and blue. Due to their compact size and vibrant blooms, they are often used as bedding plants, in containers, or as ground cover. These flowers are easy to grow and thrive in cool, temperate climates. They are known for self-seeding, often naturalizing in gardens if left undisturbed. Johnny Jump Ups are great for attracting pollinators and adding color to gardens in spring and fall. Deadheading increases blooming.