Smaller flowers, plants, and foliage can add interest and eye-appeal in the gardening world. Take the vinca for example – a hero of the bedding plant universe that takes the oppressive heat of our summers. They come in many colors and are in constant flower. Change things up a bit and you may have noticed a different type of vinca in garden centers the last few years – a vinca with tiny flowers called Soiree® Kawaii developed in Japan. Check out these bedding plants this summer for a bold new look!
Most every gardener is acquainted with the summer flowering plant called vinca. This new Catharanthus hybrid called Soiree® Kawaii takes the best features of the familiar vinca and miniaturizes them into six to ten-inch mounds with spreads of up to eighteen inches wide. The flowers are half the size of a normal vinca, and this gives them an amazingly different look and texture. These smaller flowers remind you of a surreal, colorful asterisk set against the background of glossy green petite foliage – definitely not your grandmother’s vinca! Being so low in profile, use the Soiree® Kawaii vinca in containers, hanging baskets, or as a low border in a bedding area. This Catharanthus hybrid series comes in several cultivars including ‘Lavender’, ‘Blueberry Kiss’, ‘White Peppermint’, ‘Red Shades’, ‘Coral’, ‘Coral Reef’, and ‘Light Purple’. These trademarked and patented plants are propagated by commercial growers using cuttings only – they are not grown by seed like traditional vincas. Depending on the size of the pot, it can take the grower at least two-months to develop a crop of these plants before they arrive at your local garden center in ready-to-plant condition. Best planted by themselves, these diminutive plants don’t compete well with an aggressive bedding plant like an ornamental sweet potato as an example.
Plant Soiree® Kawaii hybrids in areas that will receive at least six hours of sun – more is better – in well-drained soil. These neat little gems are considered drought-tolerant once they have established themselves but may need some supplemental water if things get on the dry side. Count on these interesting vincas to be in continuous bloom through the warm growing season.
Although some vincas have problems with fungal wilt diseases, research indicates that Soiree® Kawaii ‘White Peppermint’, ‘Coral’, and ‘Coral Reef’ have shown resistance to this problematic issue – a good trait to have in our area.
This noted introduction, the Soiree® Kawaii Catharanthus hybrids, provide another opportunity and adventure in summer gardening in Southwest Florida. This new type of vinca is a tested performer and its ability to thrive in our subtropical climate makes it a sure bet for continuous color with a marvelous impact in your gardening nook where tiny vincas rule! For more information on all types of summer-tough plants suitable for our area, or to ask a question, you can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
Reeves, J. (2022) New Vinca Series Is Tiny and Terrific. UT Gardens – The State Botanical Garden of Tennessee – The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.
Colon, H. (2022) What Grows There – New Annual Vincas ‘Kawaii Soiree’ Series. https://whatgrowsthere.com/grow/2022/06/26/new-annual-vincas-kawaii-soiree-series/ .
Suntory Premium Brands – Soiree® Kawaii Catharanthus. (2024) Suntory Flowers. https://online.flippingbook.com/view/1047998325/.
Williamson, M. & Williamson, J. (2009) Vinca Diseases. Clemson Cooperative Extension – Home and Garden Information Center.
SOIREE PRODUCT & CULTURE GUIDE. https://suntoryflowers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Suntory-Soirree-8Pg-Brochure.pdf
Onofrey, D. (2021) Culture Report: Catharanthus Soiree Kawaii Series. Greenhouse Product News.
Proven Winners (2025) Soiree Kawaii® Coral Reef Vinca Catharanthus hybrid. https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/catharanthus/soiree-kawaii-coral-reef-vinca-catharanthus-hybrid
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