Viola - Pansy Alpenglow Seeds

Viola x wittrockiana Alpenglow is also called Pansy Swiss Giant or garden pansy. The wittrockiana species is a cross-breed between different species of violets, reuniting their different qualities. This is how horticulturists created this bushy herbaceous perennial with creeping stems, which they usually grow in a two-year life cycle.

This Pansy Swiss Giant presents many large mahogany red flowers that measure 6 to 10 cm in diameter. Its yellow eye in the centre of the flower and its large black patches make the blooms look like faces.

The 2 to 5 cm long leaves are oval, slightly lobed, glossy, medium to dark green. The foliage is evergreen.

The great advantage of this perennial pansy is its long and abundant flowering which can be spread last from December to June depending on the time of sowing. The solitary flowers consist of 5 overlapping petals. The lower petal forms a very short spur at the back of the flower.

Pansy Swiss Giants are ephemeral perennials that nevertheless self-seed quite naturally at the end of the season.

The Pansy Swiss Giant Alpenglow forms a small bush measuring 25 cm high and 25 cm wide that is intended for decorating low-lying beds, borders and especially pots and window boxes, combined with other winter and spring flowering plants ( such as forget-me-nots, dwarf Narcissus, daisies, primroses, botanical tulips...).

A position in the sun or partial shade will suit them perfectly. Even if they like rich soils, avoid growing them in pure compost. The foliage would overdevelop at the expense of the number of flowers. Ideally, mix 1/3 potting soil, 1/3 garden soil and 1/3 coarse sand in your pots.

The flowers of pansies are edible so don't hesitate to decorate your plates with one or two flowers or even place a few on your salads to give them a touch of colour.