Viola wittrockiana Prim Up Ocean Mix

The plants in the Viola wittrockiana 'Prim Up Ocean Mix' produce large flowers with a silky texture, in a range of blue and white that is absolutely stunning. Whether solid or bicoloured, with or without black blotches, the varieties that make up this collection offer a fresh and harmonious display in autumn, and again in late winter, reaching their peak between March and June. These biennial hybrid pansies are early-blooming, vigorous and floriferous, easy to grow in humus-rich, moist soil, in a sunny or partially-shaded site. They are perfect in borders to create pretty carpets of flowers.

Garden pansies, sometimes called Swiss giant pansies, are actually hybrids grouped under Viola x wittrockiana. They belong to the Violaceae family and are most often grown as annuals or biennials, although they are theoretically perennial but short-lived. The 'Prim Up Ocean Mix' consists of branching plants that quickly form compact clumps, with a slightly spreading habit, 15-20 cm (5.9 - 7.9 in) tall and 20 cm (7.9 in) wide. They flower early, starting in October and lasting until the end of spring. The 6 cm (2.4 in) wide flowers are open, solid or adorned with blotches or veins, in various shades of blue and white. The centre is occupied by a tiny bright yellow and white heart. The plant has 2 types of leaves, the lower ones are ovate with dentate margins, and the upper ones are narrower and shorter.

If you love them in the garden you will greatly appreciate them in window boxes, to enjoy from inside while keeping warm. You can pair these pansies with, for example, primroses, Wallflowers, Grape Hyacinths, Daisies, and even with grasses like Japanese Sedge for a graphic effect with a contemporary feel. Play around with their colours, with different shades of blue or in contrast with white or warm colours, to achieve different atmospheres.

The petals of pansies are edible, and their colours will bring a touch of originality to your salads and pastries. For this purpose, think of growing them as you would your vegetables - in the most natural way possible.

Please note that our young plants in mini-plugs are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant them as soon as possible into pots, or directly into flower beds.