André Rieu was presented with a particularly bright present on his 74th birthday: a new viola, also known as a pansy or violet. Not a Stradivarius, but a cheerful autumn bloomer for the greenhouse, balcony, and terrace. The violinist and orchestra leader christened his new Viola 'André Rieu' on the Vrijthof Square with champagne.
The garden plant with an intense hue of yellow, red, and orange was offered to him as a tribute by the Dutch pansy growers. Wim Hillenaar, mayor of Maastricht, presented the floral gift. On the terraces of the catering establishments along the Vrijthof square, the cheerful pansies are shining this autumn and winter. Passers-by were also spontaneously treated to platters of the new pansy.
Viola 'André Rieu' is a new large-flowered violet that blooms in autumn and winter. During the flowering period, the upright flowers look at you, so to speak. The frost-resistant plant retains a compact shape due to its short flower stems. Viola 'André Rieu' has been bred by Syngenta Flowers from Enkhuizen and will be available at garden centers from autumn 2024.
Source: Alpha Communications