Viola x wittrockiana Inspire Silver Blue - Pansy

Viola x wittrockiana Inspire Silver Blue is an absolutely delightful winter-flowering pansy. Its flowers display a beautiful range of blue, ranging from a soft silver-blue on the edges to a deep, almost ultramarine blue towards the centre. They are borne on short but sturdy stems, which help the corollas to open widely towards the sky. The plants are compact, early flowering, and perfectly uniform. This variety reblooms in spring and does not bolt with the first heat, ensuring a long flowering period. Pair it in a sunny border or planter with pink forget-me-nots, or with a pale-yellow primrose, for example.

Garden pansies, sometimes called giant Swiss pansies, are hybrids grouped under the name Viola x wittrockiana. They belong to the Violaceae family and are most often grown as annuals or biennials, although they are theoretically short-lived perennials. Inspire Silver Blue is a ramified plant that quickly forms compact tufts, with a slightly spreading habit, reaching 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) in height and 20cm (8in) in width. Its flowering occurs early, from late winter to the end of spring, or from the end of spring to the end of summer. The 6cm (2in) wide flowers are fully open. They have a crystalline blue colour and are adorned with deep blue macules radiating in blue veins from the base of the petals to their edges. 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.

Pansies are wonderful in the garden, but they also work beautifully in a pot on a windowsill to be enjoyed up close. They look perfect alongside primroses, wallflowers, grape hyacinths, and daisies. They even go well with grasses like Japanese sedge for a contemporary effect. Play with the colours of pansies, in shades of blue, or in contrast with white or warm colours, and you will achieve different atmospheres.

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

Please be aware that our plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners. Upon receipt, transplant them as soon as possible in pots and containers, or directly in flower beds.