Suntory standouts

Photos courtesy of Suntory

Petunia ‘Surfinia Heavenly Cashmere Pink’

This new petunia won the top award for vegetative petunias in containers at Colorado State University. Evaluators noted the iridescent color shimmers and holds well. Spreading habit is not too vigorous and plays well with others. Overall, the petunia has a very nice form.

Cashmere Pink also won top awards at Mast Young Plants in Michigan. It was the top performer based on staff evaluations and a Top 10 Visitor Favorite.

Dipladenia ‘Sun Parasol FiredUp Orange’

Brighter than an orange traffic cone, this upright variety is completely new in the mandevilla/dipladenia category. It really shines as a tropical thriller. At Penn State, it won the People’s Choice award and came in second for the Industry’s Choice. It also made the Top 25 at Plantpeddler’s Variety Day in Iowa.

Granvia bracteanthas

People love the impressive size of the plants and blooms in our Granvia super strawflower series. Both Crimson Sun and the new Orange Flame made the Top 25 at Plantpeddler’s Variety Day. Crimson Sun also received a best of award from Colorado State. Evaluators noted the nice contrasting eye with vibrant red petals; crisp, dark green foliage; and number of long-lasting blooms.

Soiree catharanthus

Suntory introduced five new vinca this year: three in the ruffly Soiree Flamenco series and two in the mini Soiree Kawaii series. Soiree Flamenco Senorita Pink received a best of award for its ground bed performance at Colorado State. Two top-selling Soiree Kawaii varieties, White Peppermint and Red Shades, earned the Flame Proof Award at Dallas Arboretum.

Tapien & Temari verbenas

Two oldies but goodies won awards! At Mast Young Plants, Temari Bright Pink was a Best Pollinator Friendly Annual. Tapien Blue-Violet Improved received a Classic City Award from the University of Georgia, which said, “This groundcover verbena is reminiscent of the ‘Homestead Purple’ discovered by our UGA Trial Garden founders, Dr. A and Dr. Dirr, on an old homestead, but with a hint of blue. Many verbenas struggle with foliar pests and clay soils, but this is a winner all around.”