By Delilah Onofrey, Suntory Flowers
Photographs courtesy of Suntory Flowers
Looking for annuals that can tolerate shade? Summer Wave torenias from Suntory Flowers are one of the most versatile choices! This filtered-sun lover provides superb color through the hottest months, thriving in heat and humidity.
Fun Fact: Torenias are commonly known as wishbone flower. If you look in the throat of the flower, you can see anthers that look like the wishbone from your Thanksgiving turkey!
Summer Wave is the first vegetatively propagated torenia series. Previous torenias bred as bedding plants from seed are no comparison in terms of durability and garden performance. These lush cascading beauties come in shades of blue, purple, rose, white and gold. They make fantastic hanging baskets, window boxes and containers on their own or mixed with other shade tolerant plants, such as begonias, impatiens, and coleus.
Plants are self-cleaning, no deadheading is necessary. Additional benefits include attracting hummingbirds and being deer resistant.
Summer Wave torenias were introduced to North America more than 20 years ago as part of the Proven Winners line and they have stood the test of time! They have racked up garden performance awards across North America at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania, Dallas Arboretum in Texas, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Ohio and even the University of Minnesota’s trials two years ago as one of the best in show.
Three top-selling trailing varieties can still be found as part of Proven Winners and outside the brand – Large Violet, Large Blue and Large Amethyst, which all have larger flowers.
Additional trailing choices are the unique Large Silver, and Amethyst, which has a smaller bloom. Try mixing trailing colors together in combinations, like the Purple Reign Suntory Mixer, which includes Summer Wave Large Violet, Large Silver, and Amethyst, creating a dreamy, multi-tonal effect.
The Summer Wave Bouquet series’ varieties have a tighter, more controlled growth habit, smaller flowers, but a wider color range! Colors include Bouquet Deep Rose and Bouquet Blue, Bouquet Deep Blue, Bouquet Gold and the solid Bouquet White.
Look for Summer Wave at your favorite independent garden center in hanging baskets and 4-inch pots.
For best results, plant in partial shade conditions and enjoy all summer! It will be one of your favorite spillers.
Here’s a video: Summer Wave Torenia: Superstar for Your Shady Back Porch!
By Natalie Carmolli for Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrubs
Creating a garden that delights your senses and thrives throughout the seasons is all about thoughtful combinations. If you’ve fallen for the rich, earthy tones of Pantone® Mocha Mousse you’re not alone. This sophisticated color brings warmth and depth to any landscape. Natalie has highlighted 5 plants she thinks tie in beautifully with this color. click here. for an interesting, informative article on the topic.
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