Mr Fothergill's Viola Bunny Ears

Mr Fothergill’s has secured stock of a brand new series of head-turning violas as the star of its newly published Autumn Inspiration Plant Catalogue 2011. Viola Bunny Ears, the result of a chance find in the breeder’s programme to develop new, bicoloured flowers, is now offered to British gardeners for the very first time. The series is so called because of the resemblance of the blooms to the ears and face of a rabbit.  Intrigued by the flower form of the first seedling, the breeder decided to try to develop the strain in a range of colour combinations – work which took several years before the launch by Mr Fothergill’s of four distinct bicolours.

The company offers Viola Bunny Ears Lavender-Yellow, Red-White, Purple-Yellow and Violet White. At just 6-8in (15-20cm) high, all are ideal for providing both autumn and spring colour in patio containers and hanging baskets, where their unique flower form and delightful colour combinations can be appreciated at close quarters. They would also look good planted in combination with spring flowering bulbs.

Three 7cm-potted plants of any variety cost £9.95, with six priced at £17.90 for a saving of £2.00. There is also a Viola Bunny Ears Collection comprising one of each of the four varieties at £12.95.  Anyone who buys two packs for just £19.90 makes a saving of £6.00. Mr Fothergill’s can accept orders for Viola Bunny Ears until 30 September 2011, with delivery from mid September onwards.

Place an order from the catalogue worth more than £25.00 and claim 20 bulbs of Narcissus poeticus var Recurvus (Pheasant Eye) for just £2.95, a saving of £5.00 on list price. Anyone who orders plants worth more than £35.00 is offered one plant each of Iris sibirica Ruffled Velvet, Dance Ballerina Dance and Sparkling Rose for only £4.95, a saving of £5.00 on the usual price.