By Delilah Onofrey
Photos courtesy of Suntory Flowers
When it comes to bedding plants, bigger isn’t always better. Soiree Kawaii vincas are tiny but terrific! Tidy mounds of smaller flowers create continuous color all summer. The word “kawaii” means cute in Japanese. The full Soiree Kawaii assortment is available in eight great colors – Blueberry Kiss, Coral, Coral Reef, Light Purple, Lavender, Red Shades, Paprika Red and White Peppermint. Mix the colors together in planters and beds. Two fun blends are Berry Blast and Lady Liberty!
Soiree Kawaii vincas play well with others and provide a nice base filler in combo planters. Try surrounding the base of a trellised mandevilla or more compact dipladenias. Pair with heat lovers that love full sun. Tuck into window boxes for pops of color. Soiree Kawaii White Peppermint is a top seller. Bright white flowers with red eyes make everything bright.
Soiree Kawaii Coral, Coral Reef and White Peppermint have demonstrated outstanding landscape performance and resistance to phytophthora. While most annuals can look rough by the end of the summer, Soiree Kawaii will be in their prime and look great until temperatures dip into the low 40s.
Botanical gardens, like Longwood and Dallas Arboretum, have planted them in sweeping beds.
Designers have also found they are great to use in topiaries and sun-facing living walls. The city of Greenwood, SC, just planted a fantastic peacock topiary for its flower festival that will be on display through the middle of July!
Secrets of Success:
Plant Soiree Kawaii in full sun – they love heat and light.
Don’t plant Soiree Kawaii too early in the season. They stall during cooler temperatures, but once established they tolerate cooler temps heading into fall.
Don’t overwater. They don’t like to be continuously wet.
By Laura Root
Photos courtesy of Jackson & Perkins
Gardeners are always thinking ahead to the next season or the next year. And, fall is the ideal time to think about spring. Flowering shrubs, perennials and spring bulbs are great choices.
Click here for an interesting article about spring bulbs.
Click here to sign up for our monthly NEWSLETTER packed with great articles and helpful tips for your home, garden and pets!
