Johnny Jump-Up

Also known as wild pansy, this is a hardy, spring-flowering perennial grown as an annual with charming, small pansy-like flowers showing three colors in shades of purple, yellow, and white.  In Texas, they should be planted in partial shade, as our full intense sun will wilt the plant in summer.  They make a nice bedding plant under trees or a good filler for potted plantings.  Plant in well-draining soil, as soggy, wet soil will lead to unhealthy plants and likely fungal disease.  The flowers are edible, with a mild minty/wintergreen flavor.