Located in Huntersville, N.C., Metrolina Greenhouses hosted their biggest event of the year – its industry field day – on June 8th, and also Suntory Flowers’ varieties were on display. “The day began with an optional group tour led by Dr. Mark Yelanich, director of R&D. Our two main tour stops were Surfinia Mounding petunias and Granvia bracteanthas. The next day, Metrolina invited hundreds of consumers, and we explored the vinca category with a focus group”, says Suntory Flowers’ Delilah Onofrey.
Surfunia mounding petunias
Surfinia Mounding Patio Party Pink brings new life to the Surfinia Mounding class, she says. “Plants are compact and loaded with smaller flowers and very weather tolerant. We presented it next to oldies-but-goodies, Surfinia Mounding Patio Yellow and Baby Compact Purple.”
Check out the new Surfinia Mounding Patio Party Pink and its compact companions.
Granvia Bracteantha
The Granvia series of Suntory Flowers has grown to six colors, including the new Crimson Sun and White.
Deep dive on Vinca
Through Suntory Flowers’ partnership with Metrolina’s Home Garden Panel, they discussed a product category with a group of consumers. “We chose catharanthus (vinca), a heat–tolerant annual widely used in the South. Half the group had experience with Soiree Kawaii plants and were pleased with their performance. The other half were not familiar but could see how they would make a great border edging. The Soiree Double flower form was completely new to everyone and of interest. The reception to the ruffly Soiree Flamenco varieties was positive, too. The big takeaway – there is room for diversity in the vinca category.”
For more information:
Suntory Flowers
www.suntoryflowers.com
