History credits Thompson with the discovery of a cross that began the new species in 1839 named Medora. He found a bloom with huge blocks or blotches of color on the lower petals called the face. Medora and its progeny became popular with gardeners and breeders throughout Europe. Two series that have really sparked my interest are Bingo and Rally. Both made their appearance in 1994 and are gaining in popularity.
Bingos have large flowers with dark blotches borne on short stalks, or peduncles.
Their flower faces straight up giving a stronger impact of color as passersby gaze at the bed. The Rally series does much the same but are smaller 2-inch flowers. Pansies with dark blotches have long been a personal favorite, but the Crystal Bowl series and its larger cousin called the Crown series are beginning to win me over. These are flowers without blotches and are mostly pure in color. These are great for mass planting.