Pansies question?

Ok I live in southern Cali, and I bought some pansies. They came in a little 6 pack of plants. When I replanted them into large pots I have outside (for a container garden) they did well for a while but despite being kept moist (not drowned) they have shriveled up. When I replanted I used that moisture control miricle grow soil, and I was very carefull to be gentle when replanting. Can they handle bright sun? Thats why I got them, I was told they were hardy. Also when repotting, are you or are you not supposed to loosen the little square soil that the roots are in (when your remove it from the little square planter, and the root ball is shaped like a square) do you loosen it up or just replant it? My other plants seem fine. Geeze I think I have a black thumb! 8::::(

Pansies question?
Pansies like it a bit chilly. They are hardy in chilly weather, like what I have now(Ohio). If you have a spot that gets shade in the afternoon, put them there. They like the early morning sun.
Reply:Heat and dryness kill them. I was told not to expect them to last longer than through the spring. At the garden center, they told me they shrug off freezing and snow, but can't take heat.
Reply:They don't need to much water, you may be over watering. Stick your finger into the dirt down to your second knuckle, if it's dry water otherwise no. When you buy them in the 6 pack you just take it out keep it all together don't break up the small cube of dirt and replant.

rain roots