The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 1 Winter 2012 | Page 11

Winter annuals

Pansies
Pansies or heartsease, part of the Viola
family, are considered perennials in the
temperate climates, but in our
sub-tropical Zimbabwe they are treated
as annuals. They can tolerate a little

afternoon shade but they thrive in areas
with morning sun and light afternoon
shade. Popular varieties in Zimbabwe
include Swiss Giant with a larger flower,
the more traditional Joker with yellow
and blue flowers, Poker Face and
Mariposa. As they are low growing, they
are ideal as edging bedding plants or

as a mass-bedding feature in front of
other flowers. After their first blooms
are spent, you can lightly cut them back
for a second bloom later in the season.
Pansies are ideal for tubs and pots on
the veranda mixed with lobelia and
alyssum. Remember, the more you feed
your pansies, the better they will bloom.

Aquilegia
If you want to create a woodland effect
under your trees, look no further than
the aquilegias. More commonly known
as Columbines or Granny’s Bonnets,
these elegant flowers from Europe can
take a bit of sun but prefer shade or
partial shade. The dainty, star-shaped
flowers range from blue, purple, scarlet
white or yellow. They are good for
cutting and have lacy leaves similar to a
maidenhair fern. You can cut back for a
second flush of blooms, but leave some
pods for self-seeding.

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