I hope other people noticed…
Soiree Kawaii ‘White Peppermint’ micro-blooming vincas are among the latest of these stunning new generation hot weather performers from Suntory Flowers from Japan.
Before I go any farther, I have to tell you that in my next life I want to be a breeder for Suntory. Just a quick look through their incredible accomplishments in hybridizing angelonias, petunias, mandevillas, vincas, fanflowers, poinsettias, and many more is astounding. Click through for their most recent listings. I want to be a part of their team!
But, back to today’s spotlight, the Soiree Kawaii dwarf vinca series. The first of the group was introduced in 2015. ‘White Peppermint’ was slightly later. The original crosses were made in September 2011. The outstanding seedling from all the crosses was selected.
The male parent of the selected cross has lavender-pink flowers of a larger size.
The female parent of the selected cross has less distinct eye zones and larger flowers. The chosen plant plucked from the seedlings resulting from the cross has smaller flowers on shorter plants.
The selected seedling from that point on has been propagated asexually to ensure that all transplants are genetically identical. In fact, the patent filing information specifically states that the new variety does not produce viable seeds.
The original 2015 series contained Coral, Pink, and Lavender. ‘White Peppermint’ reached the retail market in 2018-2019, and you’ll see it being sold and used by discriminating professionals in garden designs today.
The patent description says that each plant can be counted on to produce 400 of the nickel-sized blooms, and judging from what I saw at Union Bear, I’d say that’s a low estimate. The sprawling plants tumbled out of their plantings and were far shorter than conventional vincas.
They need full sun, well-draining planting soil, and regular watering and feeding. The good news, however, is that they stand up to the heat and just keep on blooming.
It’s too late for planting any of this series for this year. But keep your eyes open next year. They’ll be out there, and they’ll be ready to perform some magic in your landscape, whether you go with ‘White Peppermint’ or one of the other fine shades. Talk to your nursery professional now to let them know that you’ll be standing in line for them as soon as the weather turns hot in late May.