One pansy and one viola had a 100% survival rate during the 2014 Cool Season Trials conducted October 2013 through April 2014 reports Colorado State University’s James Klett.

Trials involved 66 plants and at the end of the observations, six plants were selected by the Annual Trial Garden Committee as the top-rated performers.

During the evaluation period:

• All varieties were monitored and observed weekly during the trial period.
• Plants were watered when the soil was dry and the temperature was above 40° F – a total of nine times.
• Snow cover was mostly constant throughout January and February and the lowest recorded temperature was minus 15 F.

Best of Show Pansy - Pansy ‘Inspire Purple and White’ from Benary (shown above)
Nothing says “best of” like 100% survival through the winter season. This pansy has very bright high contrast purple/blue and white flowers. The blue top and a white bottom makes these flowers visible from a distance.
Plant needs: sun, prefers more moisture, useful for containers
Use: The high contrast flower color makes this plant eye-catching from a distance.

Best of Show Viola - Viola ‘Sorbet EX Morpho’ from Pan American Seed
Described as sturdy, small but very uniform, this Viola was has flower colors with rich contrast - a combination of deep blue with canary yellow. This variety had a 100% survival rate during the winter season during the trials.
Plant needs: Sun, prefers more moisture, useful for containers
Use: The unusual flower color combination of this viola that will stand out in any landscape.

The other 4 top performers include:

Best Blue/Violet Pansy - Pansy ‘Inspire True Blue’ from Benary
This variety had the largest flower of the pansies in this study and noted to have the truest blue flower. These large blue flowers made this plant a standout.
Plant needs: Sun, prefers more moisture, useful for containers
Use: This plant grows in a uniform and upright manner.

Best Yellow Pansy - Pansy ‘Cool Wave Golden Yellow’ from PanAmerican Seed
The flowers of this Pansy are a bright golden yellow. The plant generates had a profusion of large, attractive bright flowers that are sure to catch the garden visitor’s eye for their color and abundance.
Plant needs: Sun, prefers more moisture, useful for containers
Use: This pansy is extremely vigorous and has spreading rather than upright growth habit.

Best of Show Pansy - Pansy ‘Inspire Purple and White’ from Benary
Nothing says “best of” like 100% survival through the winter season. This pansy has very bright high contrast purple/blue and white flowers. The blue top and a white bottom makes these flowers visible from a distance.
Plant needs: sun, prefers more moisture, useful for containers
Use: The high contrast flower color makes this plant eye-catching from a distance.

Best of Show Viola - Viola ‘Sorbet EX Morpho’ from Pan American Seed
Described as sturdy, small but very uniform, this Viola was has flower colors with rich contrast - a combination of deep blue with canary yellow. This variety had a 100% survival rate during the winter season during the trials.
Plant needs: Sun, prefers more moisture, useful for containers
Use: The unusual flower color combination of this viola that will stand out in any landscape.