Viola Sorbet XP Delft blue seeds - Viola cornuta

Viola cornuta ‘Sorbet XP Delft Blue’ is easy to grow from seed. It is a small biennial, with charming, refined bicoloured lavender-blue and white flowers, inspired by Dutch porcelain. Its low, compact, dense cushion-like habit makes it an ideal candidate for borders, planters or hanging baskets, which it will colour gracefully from early spring until the first frosts. It is very hardy, withstands harsh winters down to -20°C and thrives equally in gentle sun or partial shade. It requires moist, rich, well-drained soil, moderate watering and the removal of spent flowers to encourage its long flowering period. It is versatile, fitting just as well in a cottage garden as on an urban balcony.

The Horned Violet or Horned Pansy Sorbet XP Delft Blue is a hybrid cultivar from the Violaceae family, derived from Viola cornuta, a species native to the Pyrenees, where it grows naturally in alpine meadows and rocky areas. The 'Sorbet XP Delft Blue' cultivar, registered under the name 'PAS733551', was developed by PanAmerican Seed and received a Fleuroselect Gold Medal for its unique colour and exceptional garden performance. This plant has a dense cushion-like habit and rapid growth, reaching approximately 15 to 20 cm in height and spread both in the ground and in pots. The single, bicoloured flowers measure about 2.5 cm in diameter and appear from early spring until autumn, and even in winter in mild climates. They are lavender-blue with a pure white centre, reminiscent of Delft porcelain. The foliage is medium green, with ovate and slightly toothed leaves. The flexible stems are slightly hairy. The root system is fibrous and shallow, suited to well-drained soils. The flowers of Viola cornuta are edible and are often used to decorate salads, desserts or drinks, adding a colourful and elegant touch. They are also appreciated for their delicate fragrance and their ability to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.

Viola cornuta ‘Sorbet XP Delft Blue’ is like a touch of fine porcelain placed in a spring flowerbed. Its low habit and gentle flowering make it valuable for highlighting the lines of a path, filling in around the base of bulbs or edging a seasonal planter. It pairs wonderfully with the frothy whiteness of Sweet Alyssum ‘Snow Princess’, the silvery reflections of Stachys byzantina ‘Silver Carpet’, or the lavender tones of Wood Forget-me-not ‘Savoie Bleu’.