Johnny jump ups pack a tiny, cheerful, tricolor face into every bloom, self-seeding readily to pop up in unexpected corners of the garden year after year.
Native to Europe, this diminutive wild pansy has been cultivated as a garden flower for centuries and remains a favorite for its charming, whimsical purple, yellow, and white blooms. Its edible flowers make an attractive, mildly flavored garnish for salads and desserts.
Johnny jump up symbolizes remembrance and thoughtful love, and its old folk name "heartsease" reflects a traditional belief that the flower could soothe emotional troubles.
Johnny jump ups tolerate a wide range of conditions from full sun to partial shade, and once planted, they self-seed prolifically, often returning reliably every year without any effort. They handle cool weather especially well, often blooming in early spring and again in fall.
Johnny jump up has a history of use in traditional European folk medicine for skin conditions, and its edible flowers remain popular today as a colorful, mild-flavored culinary garnish.
