Pansies are perennials usually grown as annuals, or biennials. Leaves are medium green, elliptical in shape with toothed margins. The flatly-arranged flowers, resemble faces. They are up to 2 to 4 inches across and have 5 petals.

Numerous strains produce showy flowers with a large range of bright or deep colors. Many have contrasting colors and/or blotches in the flower.

In a letter,dated September 1932, from Hearst to Reesing (head groundskeeper at the time), he states that, "The pansies amount to very little in cost, but it is exceedingly important to get the finest pansies and the finest colorings and beautiful mixtures... I think the ordering of the pansies like the ordering of the other flowers should be very carefully considered with a view to getting the best effects". Pansies are a much-loved bedding plant. They bloom winter into spring and longer in cooler climates.