JJJ Nursery’s Sun Parasol mandevilla: Fun In The Sun
Diamond, Peter
LAUNCHED in February 2003, the Sun Parasol line of mandevilla created by Suntory has since seen expansion with multiple colors. The first color to appear was ‘Sun Parasol White/ produced by licensed Suntory grower JJJ Nursery in Sarasota, Fla., but since then the nursery released both Pink and Crimson to the market for delivery last summer. Now, the nursery and Suntory are set to unveil the newest members of the Sun Parasol family, Mini Crimson and Mini Pink at this month’s Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE) in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
Both ‘Sun Parasol Mini Crimson’ and ‘Sun Parasol Mini Pink’ were produced from cuttings for stock production and will be available for shipping immediately following the TPIE show.
World Of Color
The Sun Parasol mandevilla is available in White, Pink and Crimson, as well as the Mini Crimson and Mini Pink. All, however, have different characteristics and attributes.
White – A tropical flowering vine hardy to Zone 11, this is a pure white flower that’s about 5 ½ inches in diameter with yellow throughout. It produces multiple flowers per tendril and will produce flowers in central Florida from May through September.
Pink – A tropical flowering vine hardy in Zone 11, this variety features bright pink flowers that are between 5 and 6 inches in diameter. It also produces multiple flowers per tendril and will flower mid-spring through mid-fall.
Crimson – This deep crimson vining flower with yellow throughout is hardy to Zone 11, as well, and produces round, glossy reddish green leaves with nodes 2 to 3 inches apart on each vine. It, too, will bloom May through September in central Florida.
Mini Crimson and Mini Pink – Both are tropical flowering vines hardy to Zone 11. Mini Crimson features deep crimson flowers 2 ½ inches in diameter with yellow throughout. Mini Pink sports a bright pink flower. Both have glossy reddish green leaves that are elliptical and 1 ½ to 2 inches long.
The Future Of Sun Parasol
Suntory is working in Japan on additional varieties for future release. Meanwhile, JJJ Nursery will offer yearround production of the current varieties, and along with Suntory-licensed grower Yoder Bros., will offer the selections around the world. JJJ Nurseries is offering plants shipped by air freight and truck to growers in the United States and Canada.
About the author: Peter Diamond is the director of sales and marketing at JJJ Nursery, LLC; 7091 Myakka Valley Trail, Sarasota, FL, 34241; phone 941-924-8676; fax 941-924-3589.
Copyright Meister Media Worldwide Jan 2005
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