Viola 'Fire Surprise'
Pansy
Also known as Viola x wittrockiana 'Fire Surprise', Viola 'Fire Surprise' (Delta Series)
- Height × spread
- 0.2m × 0.2m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Bold and showy pansy flowers that are basically red, yellow and black. However the colours ring the changes, flower to flower. The yellow petals are suffused with fiery pink near the petal edges on one flower, on another the petals burn a fierce bright red-orange. In some the flower's face is bright yellow with a huge black heart, in others there is a broad area of pinky orange stripes. This variation means this would suit a container by a seating area so its variable details can be appreciated. It is spring and early summer flowering. The Delta series have flowers of medium size in a wide range of colours that include both clear and multi-coloured forms. They are tolerant of poor weather conditions and are often used for winter interest since they enjoy cool conditions.
- Flower colour
- Black, Orange, Red, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cube
- Height
- 0.2m
- Spread
- 0.2m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Ground cover, Bedding plant, Bee attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring-Autumn · Planting
Prune after flowering
When the plant has finished flowering, cut the trailing stems back by half their length or more to retain a compact and appealing habit.
Planting & general
Planting
Deadhead blooms during flowering season
Remove flowers as they turn brown and fade. Snip the stem just below the bloom. This will keep the plant tidy and encourage more flowers.
The removal of spent flowers encourages the plant to produce fresh ones, rather than spend its energy on the development of seeds.
Compost · Planting
Multi-purpose compost
Use a good quality peat-free multi-purpose compost when growing in pots and containers.