New Flower Alert: Double Ruffled Pansies for Ohio Gardens

Pansies have long been a spring flower staple, but the double ruffled pansy variety is likely a new flower find for many gardeners. In particular, the Antoinette and Twilight varieties (a.k.a. Sato pansies), which are now available at Timbuk Farm’s Garden Center, are prized for their unique, high-fashion look, and you can now have them in your Ohio garden.  Here is why we love them and why they are a must-have for your porch or Ohio garden this spring.

7 Neat Facts About Double Ruffled Pansies

1. They have multiple petal layers

Unlike a standard pansy with five flat petals, double ruffled pansies are bred to have extra layers. These layers create a thick, lush appearance that holds up beautifully in floral arrangements.

This genetic trait results from selective breeding where the stamens often transform into additional petals, a process known as "doubling." This provides a 3D texture that makes them look more like carnations than traditional garden pansies.

2. They have built-in strength

Those ruffles aren't just for show! The thick, corrugated petal structure actually makes these flowers more resistant to heavy spring rains. While flat petals might get "plastered" down, ruffled petals bounce back. Plus, the flower’s rippled edges act as a structural reinforcement, which allows the double ruffled pansy to maintain its shape during the frequent showers common in central Ohio. So, if you want a flower that can survive Ohio’s spring rains, then the double ruffled pansy is for you.

3. Victorian gardens celebrated them

Double ruffled pansies were a massive hit in Victorian-era gardens. They were often used in "tussie-mussies" (small hand-held bouquets) because of their intricate detail.

During this period, flowers were used to send secret messages, and the pansy symbolized "thought." The double ruffled varieties were particularly prized as status symbols because they were rarer and more difficult to propagate than single-petal pansies.

4. You can eat them

While we don’t advocate eating flowers (we like to look at them more than eat them), you can technically eat double ruffled pansies. Their frilly edges make them a lovely garnish for spring salads or as beautiful decorations for cakes.  

They have a mild, grassy, and slightly minty flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes. Just make sure that the flowers haven't been treated with chemical pesticides if you plan to eat them or use them as decorations for food.

5. They are cold-tolerant

Double ruffled pansies are surprisingly tough. They can often survive temperatures dipping down into the 20s, which makes them one of the first colorful flowers you can safely put outside in early spring.

These flowers get their cold-tolerance from their cellular structure containing high levels of sugars that act as a natural "antifreeze."  The “antifreeze” prevents the plant from turning to mush when the thermometer drops. In central Ohio, these tough flowers can often survive a late-season dusting of snow and continue blooming once the sun comes out.

6. They smell nice

Many double ruffled pansy varieties are bred for scent as well as sight. You’ll often notice a light, sweet perfume when you lean in close to these fragrant flowers. People describe the scent as honey-like and not overpowering.  The flower’s fragrance is most prominent in the early morning or evening when the air is cool and damp.

7. They love the sun

While they appreciate some relief from the scorching afternoon sun, these pansies need plenty of light to keep those ruffles tight and vibrant. At least six hours of sunlight ensures that the stems stay short and sturdy rather than stretching and becoming leggy. Proper light exposure also intensifies the pigments in the petals, making the "faces" and ruffled edges stand out more clearly against the green foliage.

Why Double Ruffled Pansies Are Perfect for Ohio Gardens

Other than being gorgeous, double ruffled pansies have a variety of benefits for Ohio gardens, such as the following.

1. They Handle the Ohio Spring Well

Double ruffled pansies thrive in the cool soil temperatures of March and April in Ohio, because their sturdy stems and thick petals help them not to wilt the moment a cold front comes in.

2. Super Texture for Containers

Many Ohio gardeners start their spring gardening with porch pots.  Since double ruffled pansies have so much visual "weight," you don't need as many plants to make a container look full and professionally-arranged. Double ruffled pansies also pair perfectly with other early spring favorites, such as snapdragons or alyssum.

3. Pest Resistance

Ohio’s damp springs can sometimes bring out the slugs, which can wreak havoc on a garden.  However, double ruffled pansies have a slightly tougher leaf and petal texture compared to plants with thinner leaves, and this tougher texture makes them less appealing to slugs.

4. Season Extenders

Because double ruffled pansies varieties are bred for vigor, they often last a few weeks longer than traditional pansies.  They can also survive the early summer heat in Ohio.  So, double ruffled pansies will keep your garden looking fresh until it’s officially time to swap them out for your heat-loving summer annuals.  You can learn more about how to take care of your plants during the summer here: “Top Heat-Tolerant Plants for Summer in Central Ohio.”

Get Doubled Ruffled Pansies at Timbuk Farms this Spring

Come get double ruffled pansies for a limited time at Timbuk Farms this spring!  These rare and unique flowers are sure to go quickly, so don’t miss your chance to bring some home with you.

Our Ohio Garden Center has the healthiest plants in Ohio, all of your gardening supplies, and local Ohio gardening tips to help you have the garden of your dreams.  Plus, we can help guide you on how to prepare your garden for spring.

While you’re here, make sure to check out our 4th annual Tulip Festival, which is Ohio-famous and one of the best and most family-friendly spring events in central Ohio.

We can’t wait to see you this spring!