July 2020 - 16

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- the Perfect Staycation Plant!
Get current on all the colors and forms as you place your mandevilla
orders for next season. | By Delilah Onofrey
P
eak summer is when Sun Parasol mandevillas are in their full
glory all over the world. Once consumers experience these
plants, they become hooked, because they are so easy to care
for and last until frost. The most common problem is overwatering.
Mandevillas prefer it on the dry side and will be the only plants
that still look good after you return home from vacation. But with
vacation plans being canceled for most this summer, Sun Parasol
has been the perfect plant for the home staycation!
SUN PARASOL GIANTS
The Sun Parasol Giant varieties are true
classic mandevillas with large bloom,
larger leaves and a vigorous vining
habit. They make the most dramatic
statement when trellised. Core colors
are Crimson, White and Pink, but there
has been movement to the newer Pure
White and more growers are converting
their production from the traditional
Alice DuPont variety to Giant Dark Pink. Have you incorporated the
newer varieties into your assortment? Each generation of breeding
brings superior performance and disease resistance.
SUN PARASOL GARDEN VARIETIES
Looking for more compact varieties? The Sun Parasol Garden series
is highly versatile. It was bred to be produced in 4-inch pots and
hanging baskets. Low breaks and superior branching make the plant
suited to anything you would
use a bedding plant for. Plant
in containers, baskets, window
boxes, with other annuals, trellis
or not, even plant en masse
in the landscape! We've had
Garden Crimson for several years.
New last year is Garden White.
Consider them for your summer
hanging baskets next year.
SUN PARASOL MITEBUSTER
And now for something completely different. This was the first
season growers produced Mitebuster Red. Smaller leaves have a
fuzzy texture that resist mites. Plants
are sturdy and upright, perfect as a
thriller. No need for trellis. Flowers
are smaller but a beautiful deep red.
If you expect a standard mandevilla
or dipladenia, you will be confused,
because this plant is different and will
occupy a new niche. Grow in gallons
and as thrillers in mixed containers.
SUNDENIA DIPLADENIAS
One sister brand to Sun Parasol is Sundenia. These dipladenias are
a cross between Sun Parasol Original varieties, which are dipladenia
types, and classic mandevillas. You get the large flower on plants
that are more compact and
easier and faster to grow
commercially. For this reason,
many growers have moved
to Sundenia Crimson for
their vining, trellised items.
The other three Sundenia
colors - Coral, White and Red
- are more compact with a
dipladenia habit.
VIVA LIVING UMBRELLAS!
For several years, Suntory Flowers has supported Living Canopies,
the creators of the Living Umbrella. We've showed them in our trade
show booths and helped promote to the public and hospitality
industries. This summer, we're
partnering with Tu Bloom
on installations in Chicago.
For more information, visit
livingcanopies.com.
About the author: Delilah
Onofrey is marketing director
for Suntory Flowers, North
America. She can be
reached at 440-522-1447,
delilah@suntoryflowers.com
http://www.livingcanopies.com
July 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of July 2020
