F rom the Mediterranean to the Swiss Alps, sunny Florida to cool Canada, Suntory’s Sun Parasol mandevillas are captivating gardeners all over the world and have become the most fashionable plant for patios, balconies and hanging baskets. Mandevilla is now a major plant category thanks to revolutionary Sun Parasol varieties, which demonstrate superior performance and offer the widest range in colors and forms, including the first true reds. Suntory’s breeding program is unmatched. Thousands of mandevilla hybrids are evaluated each year to find that perfect new introduction, like our gorgeous new Apricot. Discover the full range of beautiful possibilities in this guide. Revolutionary Sun Parasol Mandevillas Shine All Summer
Secrets of Producing Sun Parasol Suntory’s experts share their expertise to produce the best mandevilla crop.
Flowering: Sun Parasol mandevillas are long-day plants. Buds are initiated with 10-11 hour days for the Pretty and Original types. The Giant group will flower with 12-hour days. Varieties in each group vary depending on the color. Plants flower on every third leaf pair, measured from the base or from the previous flower. Buds are aborted in unfavorable conditions. Remove the shoot above the bud to prevent bud abortion. Temperature: Ideal growing temperature is 65-75˚F the first two to three weeks after potting. Temperature can be then lowered to 65- 70˚F. Lower temperatures can be used, but plants will take longer. Mandevillas like light and heat. Optimize growth by providing warm temperatures and high light levels. Watering: Always plant Sun Parasol in a well-draining soil. Keep plants on the dry side with the pot almost completely drying out between watering. A dry regime is more suited than a wet one, where plants can become prone to root diseases. Too dry, and there will be a problem with nutrient uptake. Too much water leads to leaf yellowing. Water plants in the morning so foliage can dry.
Fertilizer: Feed Sun Parasol plants with a well- balanced fertilizer every other day at 250 ppm. We also recommend a slow-release fertilizer at ¼ the recommended rate. Do not put slow-release granules next to the stem, because it may burn the plant. If the pot doesn’t dry out during cloudy days, do not water. Managing growth: The best way to control growth is with water retention, especially with the white- flowered varieties. Pinching is necessary to improve branching. Wait until the plants are fairly well-rooted before pinching. Uncontrolled growth isn’t a problem in a larger pot. Pests and diseases: Watch for mites, the prime pest, and take preventative measures. Additional pests to monitor for include aphids, thrips and whiteflies. Good airflow helps prevent foliar leaf spot. Watering in the morning helps, too. Prevent Fusarium and Botrytis by keeping plants dry in the winter.
For more information about Sun Parasol mandevillas, visit www.sunparasol.net
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